Brownie Footballs

Just in time for the Super Bowl, here's a fun recipe. I can't take credit for it as it is from my cooking idol, Betty . . . Betty Crocker. In her cheesy words, "You’ll score a touchdown at any party when you make these rich chocolaty brownies in this fun shape!" The worst part of the recipe . . . it only makes 12 brownies. I think I'll be making three or four batches!

Prep Time: 30 min.
Start to Finish: 2 hr.
Makes: 12 brownies

1 package Betty Crocker Original Supreme brownie mix (with chocolate syrup pouch)
1/4 c water
1/3 c vegetable oil
3 eggs
Football-shaped cookie cutter, 3 1/2 x 2 inches
1 tub Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy chocolate ready-to-spread frosting (or I prefer the "Perfectly Chocolate Chocolate Frosting" recipe found at this link: http://alittleofthisandsomeofthat.blogspot.com/2007/05/perfectly-chocolate-chocolate-frosting.html)
1 cup white baking ships
1 T milk
1 T butter or margarine

Heat oven to 350. Line rectangular pan, 13 x 9 x 2 inches, with aluminum foil, letting foil hang 2 inches over short ends of pan. Spray foil with cooking spray. Stir brownie mix, chocolate syrup, water, oil and eggs in medium bowl until well blended. Spread in pan. Bake 28 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out almost clean (which really just means that the toothpick will come out with barely not enough brownie to lick off of it . . . disappointing, yes, but a hopeful sign that the brownies are almost done!). Cool completely, about 1 hours. Remove brownies from pan, using foil to lift. Cut brownies into football shapes, using cookie cutter. Frost footballs with frosting. Place baking chips, milk and butter in small microwavable bowl. Microwave uncovered on medium-high 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 10 seconds longer or until chips are melted. Drizzle melted chips over frosting to look like football laces.