CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE CUPCAKES

CUPCAKES:
2 cups (12-oz pkg) Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels, divided
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup water

FILLING:
2 pkgs (3-oz each) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/8 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease or line with paper liners 16 muffin cups.

For Cupcakes:
Microwave 1/2 cup morsels in small, microwave-safe bowl on high power for 45 seconds; stir. Microwave an additional 10 - 20 second intervals, stirring until smooth, cool to room temperature.

Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. Beat sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla extract in a large mixer bowl until blended. Beat in melted chocolate, gradually beat in flour mixture alternately with water (this will be a thin batter).

For Filling:
Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and salt in small mixer bowl until creamy. Stir in 1 cup morsels.

To Assemble:
SPOON batter into prepared muffin cups, filling 1/2 full. Spoon filling by rounded tablespoon over batter. Spoon remaining batter over filling.

Bake at 350 degrees 20 to 25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. While still hot, sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup morsels. Let cool 5 minutes or until morsels are shiny; spread to make frosting. Place on wire racks to cool completely.

file photo of this recipe