Burnt Caramel Icing
["3 c. sugar", "1 c. milk", "1 c. butter", "1 tsp. vanilla", "1/2 c. caramel (follows)"]
["Caramel:", "Dissolve 1/2 cup sugar in a sizzling skillet.", "Stir it until it browns to an amber color.", "Add 1 cup hot water.", "Stir until mixture dissolves into a thick syrup.", "Makes 1/2 cup caramel."]
["sugar", "milk", "butter", "vanilla", "caramel"]