1/4 c. butter
1 c. semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tbsp. hot water
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. walnuts (if desired)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8 or 9 inch square pan. In medium saucepan combine butter and chocolate chips. Cook over low heat until melted and smooth, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in sugar, eggs, water and vanilla. Add flour, soda and salt. Stir well. Stir in walnuts.

Spread half the chocolate batter evenly in pan. Top with cream cheese filling, spreading evenly.

CREAM CHEESE FILLING:

8 oz. cream cheese (room temperature)
1 egg
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Drop spoonful of remaining batter on top, spreading evenly. Swirl knife throughout. Bake 40 to 45 minutes. Do not overbake.