Ingredients
1/2 cup sugar1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons water, divided 1/2 cup fresh or frozen pitted dark sweet cherries, thawed and finely chopped1 tablespoon cornstarchWAFFLES:1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1 teaspoon baking soda1-1/2 cups buttermilk2 large eggs, room temperature1/3 cup canola oil1/2 teaspoon almond extract1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen pitted dark sweet cherries, thawed and chopped1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips Additional miniature semisweet chocolate chips, optional
Preparation
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.
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 syrup and, if desired, additional chocolate chips.
