CC,
I've tried complicated recepies where you strain the oil/butter through cheeseclothes 2 times to get more THC... I've used ghee (pure butter), and I've tried butter in water but honestly, I'm all about cheap and easy.

So, here's my take on making brownies the cheap and easy way...
I buy cheap weed (1/2 once = $40-45) and use an electric food processor to chop into fine flakes, stems and all (chop to the size of flakes from a seasoning like basil flakes). The stems create a "sharper" high so leave them out if you want. I saute it in veggie oil (same amount as recepie on box). Strain through a cheeseclothe into the mixing bowl. Squeeze out ALL the oil (wear rubber gloves as the oil is hot and will burn you). I use Gheridelli (sp? ) brownie mix which includes a chocolate sryup - yummy - of course I lick the bowl clean like a dog. I've kept these frozen for up to 6 months and just pop in the microwave as needed. There's no smoke breath and it's like a nice snack. Takes about an hour for the first "high wave" to hit then another hour for the pseudo-psychodelic stuff to hit so plan your day/night accordingly. The overall high can last up to 5 hours. Start with a small piece with each new batch as the THC levels are a little different each time.

Other stuff:
I've made butter and put it in the freezer then spread on toast. Does ok but doesn't taste very good - I had to mix it with garlic salt. However, when cooling, the THC seemed to settle to the bottom so the top portion of the solid butter was very weak. I kept upping my doses of butter and then when I hit the bottom of the butter stick I got WAY too much and the high lasted into the next day. It was actually a little scary. But, unlike alchohol, I recovered without being sick or having a headache. I hardly ever drink alchohol now. So instead of a glass of wine after a hard day at work, I munch on a brownie. Life is good.

Enjoy!