Preheat oven to 350˚F. You’ll need an 8-inch square metal baking pan.

Whisk flour, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of the cocoa, the baking powder and salt in a medium bowl until blended. Whisk in milk and butter until blended. Pour into pan and smooth into an even layer. Sprinkle top evenly with brown sugar, then remaining 1/4 cup cocoa and the chocolate chips. Mix the vanilla and hot water and pour over top.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until the top looks dry but center of cake is still jiggly.

Cool on wire rack until warm. Spoon into serving dishes and top with ice cream if desired.

Note:When you’re preparing it don’t be alarmed-it doesn’t look like a typical cake when you pop it in the oven. Pouring hot water over the batter seems crazy but magic happens in the oven-forming a cake with a fudgy sauce on the bottom.