Chocolate Cobbler

Recipe history: I obtained this recipe off of a local news station's website a couple of years ago. I have changed it a little bit, so it's not 100% originally theirs, nor mine.  It's simple to make and I usually have all the ingredients on hand (except maybe the nuts and chocolate chips), so it's great for family gatherings or pot luck dinners. This Chocolate Cobbler recipe rapidly became a requested favorite of family and friends.

Hint: Please read entire recipe and directions Before you start. I say this because my spouse and nephew decided to make this one night while I wasn't around and put All of the ingredients together at once. Although it was very comical, this recipe does not work very well that way. The finished product turns out much better when put together in layers.

Preheat oven to 350. Coat 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray.

1st Layer:

2 cups self rising flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
1 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2nd Layer

2 cups packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup cocoa

3rd Layer

3 cups boiling water
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 cup walnuts (optional)

Directions for 1st Layer

In large mixing bowl, stir together flour, sugar and cocoa until well combined. Add milk, oil and vanilla and mix until smooth. Pour this mixture into prepared baking dish.

Directions for 2nd Layer

In small/medium mixing bowl mix cocoa and brown sugar until thouroughly combined.  Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the 1st layer in the baking dish.

Directions for 3rd Layer

Slowly pour the 3 cups of Boiling water over the first 2 layers. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips and/or walnuts (if desired) over the top.

Bake 40 - 50 minutes (until set)