CREAM CHEESE MIXTURE:

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 egg
1/3 c. granulated sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
6 oz. chocolate chips

CAKE:

1 1/2 c. flour
1 c. granulated sugar
1/4 c. cocoa
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. water
1/3 c. cooking oil
1 tbsp. vinegar
1 tsp. vanilla
Granulated sugar
Chopped nuts

Cream Cheese Mixture: Combine cream cheese, egg, sugar and salt. Beat well and then stir in chocolate chips; set aside.

Cake: Sift together the dry ingredients. Combine the water, oil, vinegar and vanilla. Add this to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Fill paper-lined muffin cups one third full with chocolate cake batter. Top each with a heaping teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with sugar and chopped nuts. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes. Serves 18.