Brownie Surprise Pudding Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the ramekins on a baking sheet for easier handling, and set it aside.
2. 2
   Place the flour, sugar, 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of the cocoa powder, the baking powder, and salt in a medium-sized bowl and whisk to blend.
3. 3
   Place the beaten egg, butter, milk, and vanilla in another medium-sized bowl, and whisk to blend.
4. 4
   Pour the flour mixture over the egg mixture, and stir with a wooden spoon just until the batter is combined.
5. 5
   Stir in the walnuts and chocolate chips.
6. 6
   Spoon the batter into the ramekins, dividing it evenly between them.
7. 7
   Place the remaining 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cocoa powder, the brown sugar, and the boiling water in a small bowl, and whisk to mix well.
8. 8
   Pour the mixture over the batter in the ramekins.
9. 9
   Bake the cakes until a toothpick inserted in the center of one comes out with a few crumbs clinging to it, about 20 minutes.
10. 10
    Remove the baking sheet from the oven, transfer the ramekins to a wire rack, and let them cool for 10 minutes.
11. 11
    Serve the cakes warm, in the ramekins, topped with scoops of ice cream if desired.