2 (3 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese
1/3 c. sugar
6 oz. pkg. chocolate chips
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. water
1/3 c. oil
1 tbsp. vinegar
2 tbsp. sugar (if desired)
1/2 c. chopped almonds (if desired)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin cups with paper liners. In small bowl mix cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar and egg; mix well, add chocolate chips and set aside.

In large bowl combine flour, sugar, cocoa, soda and salt. Add water, oil, vinegar and vanilla; beat 2 minutes at medium speed. Fill prepared muffin cups half full. Top with tablespoonful of cream cheese mixture. Combine 2 tablespoons sugar and almonds; sprinkle over top. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes.