Cherry Chip Waffles with Cherry Syrup

Ingredients (16)

• 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