1 (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 egg
1/3 c. sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
1 (6 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips
1 1/2 c. flour
1/4 c. cocoa
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 c. cooking oil
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. water
1 tbsp. vinegar

Combine cream cheese, egg, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon salt; beat well. Stir in chocolate chips. Set aside.

Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa, soda, and salt. Add water, cooking oil, vinegar and vanilla. Beat until well combined. Fill muffin cups lined with cupcake liners 1/3 full of batter. Top each one with a heaping teaspoon of cream cheese mixture. If desired, sprinkle with sugar or chopped nuts. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes. Makes 2 dozen.