KINGSTON CHOCOLATE CHERRY MUFFINS

2 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1 tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. grated lemon rind
3/4 c. mini chocolate chips
1/2 c. slivered blanched almonds (optional)
1 c. dark sweet cherries, pitted and chopped plus 2 whole cherries
1 c. milk
1/3 c. vegetable oil
1/3 c. unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 lg. egg, beaten lightly

Into a bowl sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the rind, chocolate chips, and almonds. Combine the mixture well and stir in the chopped cherries. In a small bowl whisk together the milk mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until the batter is just combined. Divide the batter among 12 well buttered 1/3 cup muffin tins. (Tins will be full.) Press 1 whole cherry lightly into center of each muffin. Bake in center of preheated 400 degree oven for 20-25 minutes or until pale golden. Let muffins cool in tin for 1 minute.