Chocolate Molten Cake

This recipe was adapted from Land O' Lakes recipe collection. This is an "impressive" dessert that is deceptively easy to make. Good way to earn "points" especially on Valentines Day, or any other special occasion!!

• 1/4 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

• 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips

• 1/4 butter

• 30z package cream cheese, softened

• 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar

• 3 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1/4 cup all purpose flour

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Grease (or butter) 4 (six ounce) custard cups and place onto an ungreased baking sheet
Divide pecans evenly (about 1 Tbs each) and place on bottom of each cup. Set aside.
Combine chocolate chips and butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH (100% power) for 45-60 seconds, stirring twice, until melted and smooth. Add cream cheese and beat at medium speed until smooth. Set aside.
Combine brown sugar, eggs and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat at medium speed until well mixed.
Add chocolate mixture and continue beating until well mixed.
Reduce speed to low and gradually add the flour, beating until well mixed.
Divide batter evenly among the prepared custard cups.
Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until top is puffy and cracked in appearance, so center will still be soft. Be careful not to OVERCOOK.
Cool 5 minutes. Gently run a small knife around outside edges of the cakes and carefully invert onto serving plates.
Serve with vanilla ice cream, and/or whipped cream.

Note: The batter can be prepared up to four hours ahead. Place in custard cups. Cover each cup with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature and bake as directed.