Buttermilk Waffles with Cherry-Almond Sauce

INGREDIENTS

• 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, divided
• 1 cup cherry preserves
• Lightly sweetened whipped cream or plain yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon (scant) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 12-ounce bag frozen pitted dark sweet cherries (do not thaw)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder