Its late, but technically still Monday. I made these for the person that loves tart, slightly sweet, and chocolate. We aren't making cupcake here. These are muffins. You aren't the mom that gives your kids cupcakes for breakfast. But let's be reasonable here...If you love cherries, and not the tart kind...use fresh, but fight those pits out first. Another option is to use frozen cherries, and don't add water. One and half cups would be a good guess on the amount. Add the pure maple syrup and cook and reduce until its about a cup. I know...very scientific over here. But sometimes you just have to let the rules go, and follow your instinct. Instinct overrides every rule.
Tart Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins
Cherry Syrup
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
Can of tart cherries with water
Add ingredients to small saucepan. On medium heat, bring to a boil, mash the cherries. It is done when the syrup reduces and a syrup consistency. It should make about 1 cup of cherry syrup.
Ingredients:
1 stick unsalted butter
2 eggs
1 cup cherry syrup
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup coconut sugar
1 1/2 cups fresh milled flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
*Top with 1/3 cup chocolate chips or more if you would like
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt the butter. In a large bowl, add eggs and coconut sugar and mix together. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Start mixer and add butter and cherry syrup. Mix well. Scoop into a muffin tin, filling them half to two-thirds full. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top of each muffin. Bake 12-15 minutes.