Grandmother's Caramel Cake Icing

Using a heavy iron skillet, melt 1 cup sugar in the oven (400° to 450°), stirring occasionally.

While sugar is melting in the oven, put the remaining 3 cups sugar and the milk in a saucepan and bring to a boil.

When the hot syrup has reached boiling, add it slowly to the caramelized sugar.

Add butter and cook until it reaches the soft ball stage.

Remove from heat and beat until creamy and ready to spread on a 3 layer cake.