I love it when someone takes the every-day-run-of-the-mill and turns it into WOWZA! Such is the case with your friendly box of brownie mix. Yes, following the brownie recipe right off of the box does make yummy brownies. However, the next time, why not try one of these simple ideas to dress up your box mix? Turn yummy into WOWZA!

Peanut Butter Brownies:

•  Make the brownies with the directions from the package and put the batter in your pan. (Follow the directions on the box to determine if the pan needs to be greased.)
•  Take about a 1/2 a cup of peanut butter and melt it in the microwave until it is runny.
•  Pour it in 2 strips (the long way) on top of the batter
•  Take a regular table knife and swirl the peanut butter in to the batter.
•  Bake until it is done.

Mocha Brownies:

•  Make the brownies with the directions from the package BUT replace the water with COFFEE!
•  Dump in about a 1/2 a sack of chocolate chips (optional but totally worth it).
•  Put the batter in a greased pan.
•  Bake until done.

I have to admit that the following recipe is my favorite to bake. There is something about chocolate and caramel that makes me giddy.

Turtle Brownies:

•  Make the brownies like the package tells you to and add as many pecans as you want. I usually go with 3/4 cup. I like pecans.
•  Put the batter in your greased pan.
•  Unwrap about a 1/2 a sack of caramels.
•  Put them in a bowl that can go in the microwave
•  Microwave them on high for 30 seconds. Stir.
•  Microwave them in 30 second intervals at HALF power until they are melted.
•  WARNING: If you don't use 1/2 power you will burn the caramel, stink up your house and have to start over.
•  Add about a tablespoon of milk or cream with the caramel and stir until it is more liquid
•  Dump the caramel over the batter and bake.

Extra-Chocolate Brownies:

•  Make the brownies like the package says but add 1/2 a sack of chocolate chips and nuts if you want nuts.
•  Put the batter in a greased pan.
•  Bake until done.
•  Sprinkle the other 1/2 of the sack of chocolate chips on top of the brownies as soon as they come out of the oven.
•  Let the chocolate chips melt and carefully spread over the brownies like a frosting.
•  All of these must be totally cool before you cut them or the chocolate will leak all over your hands and you will have to lick it off so as not to waste a drop!