Crockpot Turtle Pudding

1 21.5 oz pkg 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

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

Butter and dust with sugar a 2.5 qt 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 rack in the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on the high heat setting for 4.5 hours. Remove the dish from the slow cooker, uncover and let cool for 30 minutes. Serve warm, with whipped cream or ice cream.