CUPCAKES:

3 c. flour
2 c. sugar
2/3 c. cocoa
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 c. water
2/3 c. vegetable oil
2 tbsp. white vinegar
2 tsp. vanilla

FILLING:

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/3 c. sugar
1 egg
1/8 tsp. salt
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Prepare Filling: In small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg and salt until smooth and creamy. Stir in chocolate chips; set aside.

Heat oven to 350°F.

In large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Add water, oil, vinegar, and vanilla; on medium speed, beat 2 minutes. Fill paper lined muffin cups 2/3 full with batter. Spoon 1 level tablespoon filling into centers of each cupcake. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in cake portion comes out clean. Remove from pan, cool completely.

VARIATIONS: Valentine Filling: add 4 to 5 drops red food coloring to filling.

Peanut Butter Chip Filling: Omit chocolate (cocoa); stir in 1 cup Reese's Peanut Butter Chips.