Non-Dairy Banana Flour Waffles

Perfect for Mother's Day brunch, these from-scratch Non-Dairy Banana Flour Waffles are packed with nutrient-rich banana flour and non-dairy buttermilk.

You can take mom out for brunch on Mother's Day, or you can whip up a batch of Non-Dairy Banana Flour Waffles and show that you got this!

When I first moved out on my own, I think the adults in my life thought I would starve to death. Each phone call started with the dreaded question, 'are you eating?' Followed by what, where, when and how often.

I was miss independent and stubborn AF, so those questions were beyond annoying as they signalled that perhaps they felt I wasn't capable of taking care of myself. In reality, it was because I never really cooked when I was home. In fact, I generally avoided the kitchen. I was more at home in restaurants.

But as a student, my champagne tastes could not be sated with my kool-aid budget. They knew that. I eventually caught on... a little slower than an otherwise intelligent girl should. In my defence, I was only sixteen.

Funds ran low... FAST! I was too proud to ask, so I took a part-time job, but could only work once or twice a week, so we're talking pennies. Enter the shiny credit cards being handed out all over campus. I mean they were practically giving them away. To this day, I don't know how I qualified at that age!

I was taught better, so I knew better, but practicing better just wasn't in the plan when you're young and on your own. It wasn't long before I was in over my head and too ashamed to admit it.

I finally broke to my aunt, my mom's younger sister, who is like a second mom to me. She agreed to pay off the card in full, so that I didn't have to deal with the stress. I was relieved and thankful and vowed to never be so irresponsible.

About a year later, I was back in the hole...DEEP. She had spoiled me rotten my entire life, so I was feeling pretty smug about her bailing me out again. And she did...

This time, however, I would be paying her back...wait for it...with interest. MOTHER#$%^&*!!

I think both floors of the restaurant heard my gasp. I remember vividly, my reflection of utter disbelief glaring back at me from the mirror on the wall behind her seat. I was speechless and she was, under her soft, caring eyes and understanding smile...heartbrokenly disappointed.

I agreed to the written terms of the bailout, still in disbelief and feeling utterly wronged. The interest she charged was pennies in comparison to what the credit card would charge. I was able pay off the debt in full and on time, never being late, or missing a payment. Since then, I've never carried a balance and always pay my card in full to avoid interest charges.

Why is she feeding me this story with these Non-Dairy Banana Flour Waffles, you ask? Because Mother's Day...

To my aunt, my surrogate mom, for teaching this once spoiled teen, life lessons in responsibility, and for growing me into the fiscally responsible and financial savvy adult I am today. For always reminding me that I am indeed good enough. For showing me the world and the importance of experiencing other cultures. Whenever an obstacle seems too big, your voice pops in my head (or on the phone) reassuring and encouraging.

My mom for facing all levels of adversity with the grace of a butterfly, even when throwing adult-sized tantrums would have been the way to go. For passing on your frighteningly accurate sixth-sense and sass and reminding us that a look can be just as painful as any smack.

My grandfather, a true feminist in my books, for teaching all us kids and grandkids self-worth, self-respect and general kick-assery. For my love of music, books and politics and my duty to speak up for others unable to do so for themselves. It's almost a year since you've been gone, but never will you be forgotten.

My grandmother, hands down, the strongest, most generous woman I know. For showing us girls that sometimes giants come in a five-foot three-inch, one hundred and ten pound package. For letting us choose our own way and for supporting those choices, even when they went against everything you believe. For dancing and singing whenever the urge hit and for being a total boss in the garden and kitchen.

To the village of aunts and uncles that stepped in to raise and protect me when my dad passed and long after...

Happy Mother's Day!