Caramel Frosting I

From southern living

Sprinkle 1 / 2 cup sugar in a shallow , heavy 3 1 / 2 quart dutch oven.

Cook over medium heat , stirring constantly , until sugar melts and syrup is light golden brown.

Remove from heat.

Combine remaining 2 1 / 2 cups sugar and flour in a large saucepan , stirring well.

Add milk , and bring to a boil , stirring constantly.

Gradually pour about one-fourth of hot misture into caramelized sugar , stirring.

Constantly.

Add remaining hot mixture.

Return mixture to heat.

Cover and cook over low heat 2 minutes.

Uncover and cook , without stirring , over medium heat until a candy thermometer reaches 238 degrees.

Add butter , stirring to blend.

Remove from heat , and cool , without stirring , until temperature drops to 110 degrees.

Add vanilla , and beat with a wooden spoon or at medium speed of an electric mixer , until of spreading consistency.

sugar, all-purpose flour, milk, butter, vanilla extract