Brownie (Batter)

1 1/2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
6 T cocoa (January only uses 4)
1 t salt
1 cup butter, softened
4 eggs
2 t vanilla

Mix everything together on medium speed for 3 minutes. Pour into a 9x13" greased pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. (That's assuming it makes it to the pan. This is so good as batter, Strattons have been know to make just brownie batter for dessert. It does make delicious brownies as well.)

For mint brownies: Make frosting, but use mint flavoring instead of almond flavoring. Color it green (great for St. Patrick's Day) if you want. Spread over cooled brownies. In a sealed Ziploc baggie, melt chocolate chips in the microwave. Cut off a very small corner of the baggie, squeeze chocolate over the mint frosting. For a fun, festive Christmas brownie, use peppermint flavoring, color the frosting pink and sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top.

For cream cheese brownies: Frost brownies with cream cheese frosting. Drizzle chocolate over in the same fashion as above. You can color the frosting pink and it make a delicious Valentine's Day treat.