Cherry Chip Waffles with Cherry Syrup

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 syrup and, if desired, additional chocolate chips.
3. Freeze option: Cool waffles on wire racks. Freeze between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container. Freeze cherry syrup in a freezer container. To use, partially thaw cherry syrup in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. Reheat waffles in a toaster on medium setting. Or, microwave each waffle on high until heated through, 30-60 seconds.