Almond Pancakes with Sour Cherry Syrup

INGREDIENTS

• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1/2 cup dried sweetened sour cherries
• 1/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
• 1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
• 2 cups lowfat buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, divided
• 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• Oil or butter, for greasing pan
• 2 eggs, beaten