Then and now, Mother’s Day brunch is much more than a typical Sunday brunch for me. It’s tradition. It’s honoring the matriarchs of my family. It’s taking time to sit and enjoy each other while eating and making waffles fresh to order. MORE: The Best Waffle Makers of 2019 The only problem is that typical waffle breakfasts aren’t the most nutrient-dense meals. So, I changed that. I packed some protein and health benefits into our waffles without losing the essence of the tradition — and let me tell you: My strawberry basil kombucha waffles are a huge hit.

Before I get to the recipe, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Don’t forget the carbonated water. Protein-rich batter doesn’t naturally yield a light waffle, so the carbonation in the mix is essential. Add herbs. They’re an easy way to increase the nutritional value for any breakfast or meal. For these waffles, I added basil. If your family loves certain herbs, try them in the batter. Macerate the berries. Berries are naturally sweet, so you don’t need to add a ton of sugar. The trick is to let the berries juice themselves. You can prepare them ahead of time and leave them in the fridge while you complete other recipe steps. Use homemade whipped cream. Sure, buying a premade can or tub of whipped topping is easy, but the few extra minutes you spend making maple whipped cream will make every woman in your life feel extra-loved. Plus, it’s so good. It’s not Mother’s Day brunch without some bubbly. It’s the perfect drink to pair with your strawberry basil kombucha waffles. Add some strawberries and basil to a rosé spritzer (recipe below). You can make the spritzer with the rosé on the side for those who don’t partake.

Your guests won’t be disappointed by this delicious brunch. May it bring you the joy and memories it has brought me. Salud!

2 cups white whole-wheat flour2 tablespoons unrefined sugar or maple syrup1/2 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt1 tablespoon baking powder (+1/4 teaspoon if you’re using maple syrup)2 tablespoons flaxseed meal2 eggs1/2 cup Greek yogurt1/3 cup oil1-2/3 cup carbonated water2/3 cup strawberry basil kombucha (or whatever flavor kombucha you prefer)

Strawberries:

5 cups strawberries1 tablespoon unrefined sugar or maple syrup1/8 cup fresh basil1/4 cup strawberry basil kombucha

Whipped cream:

1 cup heavy cream2 tablespoons maple syrup1/8 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt

Strawberry basil rosé spritzer:

1 cup strawberry basil kombucha (or whatever flavor you prefer), chilled2 cups sparkling strawberry water, chilled3/4 cup strawberry basil mixture1 bottle rosé, chilled

Strawberries: Whipped cream: Strawberry basil rosé spritzer:

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