CHERRY CHIP WAFFLES WITH CHERRY SYRUP

Cherry Chip Waffles with Cherry Syrup image

While on a recent trip to Door County, Wisconsin, for a family reunion, I created this yummy recipe using some freshly picked cherries. It was a hit with all ages and everyone was asking for more. -Heather Karow, Burnett, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

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

Steps:

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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 428 calories, Fat 19g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 64mg cholesterol, Sodium 432mg sodium, Carbohydrate 59g carbohydrate (33g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 8g protein.