Slow Turtle Pudding

1 (21 1/2 ounce) box 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 pieces caramel candy
Whipped cream

Place a vegetable steamer or other low rack on the bottom of a 5-quart crockpot. Pour in 4 cups hot tap water and turn on the HIGH heat setting.

In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, 1/2 cup water, oil, and egg. Beat to mix well. Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts.

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

Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 1/2 hours. Remove the dish from the crockpot, uncover, and let cool 30 minutes. Serve warm with whipped cream, if desired.

Yields 8 servings.