Burnt Sugar Frosting

This recipe is from mrs. Wilkes boarding house cookbook..

Place half of the cup sugar in a heavy skillet and cook , stirring over medium heat till melted.

Add the boiling water and stir till a syrup forms.

Heat the remaining 2 cups of sugar and milk.

Add the cooked sugar mixture and cook to 234 -- soft ball stage.

Cool for 10 minutes without stirring.

Add the butter , salt and vanilla.

Beat till thick enough to spread easily.

If frosting becomes too stiff , add some milk.

Enough frosting for 1 8 or 9" double layer cake".

sugar, boiling water, milk, butter, salt, vanilla