Julia Child's Turtle Pudding (Recipe)

This dessert is a divine combination of chocolate, nuts, and caramel.  Served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream, it is the perfect way to end a meal.

Ingredients

1 (21 1/2 ounce) package brownie mix

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 egg

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

13 caramel candies, unwrapped

Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Steps

1.  Place a vegetable steamer or other low rack on the bottom of a 5 quart electric slow cooker.  Pour in 4 cups hot tap water and turn on the high heat setting.

2.  In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, water, oil, and egg.  Beat to mix well.  Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts.

3.  Butter and dust with sugar a 2 1/2 quart souffle dish that fits in the 5 quart slow cooker.  Turn the brownie mixture into the dish.  Push the caramels partially into the top, but do not cover completely with the brownie mixture.  Wrap the dish in a double thickness of foil.  Tie with kitchen string to resemble a package for ease in lowering into the pot and removing.  Place on the track in the slow cooker.

4.  Cover and cook on the high heat setting 4 1/2 hours.  Remove the dish from the slow cooker, uncover, and let cool 30 minutes.  Serve warm, with whipped cream or ice cream.