Cherry Chip Waffles with Cherry Syrup

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons water, divided
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen pitted dark sweet cherries, thawed and finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

waffles

• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1-1/2 cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/3 cup canola oil
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen pitted dark sweet cherries, thawed and chopped
• 1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
• Additional miniature semisweet chocolate chips, optional

Directions

1. Preheat waffle maker. In a small saucepan, cook and stir sugar and 1/2 cup water over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Add cherries; cook and stir until cherries are tender, 3-5 minutes. Mix cornstarch and remaining 2 tablespoons water until smooth; stir into pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Remove and keep warm.
2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon and baking soda. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, oil and extract until blended. Add to dry ingredients; stir just until moistened. Stir in cherries and chocolate chips. Bake waffles according to manufacturer’s directions until golden brown. Serve with cherry syrup, and additional chocolate chips if desired.