Been on the road the past 3+ weeks. First to DC as a new BikeWalkNC rep. to advocate with League of American Bicyclists at their National Bike Summit for improved road safety for all (For why, click 5 Reasons US Roads Are Dangerous for Pedestrians and Cyclists). Now in Monterey, California, to attend the country’s largest bike festival, Sea Otter. Have had almost all my meals “on the fly” (aka: completely improvised) whether I’ve stayed in Airbnb’s, like the one shown below, or with good friends and family.

Here’s an “on the fly” example. Was in San Diego last week at my Navy big brother’s place and made this improvised strawberry, blackberry and banana pancake for breakfast.

I’ve certainly made lots of fruit pancakes but never one with strawberries, bananas and blackberries. No big deal.

The keys to improvising are having a good, reliable, easy to remember base recipe and trusting your taste to make what you want. Also no big deal – but a lot of fun.

My base recipe for fruit pancakes: apple pancake. If you’re an apple fan at all, I think you’ll find that pancake both fully-flavor-satisfying and one that will let answer the question, “I wonder how it would taste if I made it with _______?” As soon as you ask that question – and you’re willing to take a little leap in faith – you’re off to the “on the fly” improvised races!