CHOCOLATE SURPRISE CUPCAKES

1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup crunchy peanut butter

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 tablespoon milk

1/3 cup shortening

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

2 eggs

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup cocoa

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sifted powdered sugar

Combine first 5 ingredients in a small bowl, mixing well; set aside. Cream shortening; gradually add brown sugar, beating well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, cocoa, soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with 1/2 cup milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.

Spoon 1 heaping tablespoon batter into each paper-lined muffin pan. Drop 1 rounded teaspoonful cream cheese mixture into center of each cupcake. Gently press cream cheese filling into batter. Fill cups 2/3 full with remaining batter. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove from pan and sprinkle tops with powdered sugar.

Makes 1 1/2 dozen.