Cherry Chip Waffles with Cherry Syrup

Directions

• 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.
• 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.