Old-Fashioned Caramel Icing

Ingredients:

3 cups granulated sugar
1 1/3 cups whole milk
1 1/2 sticks cold butter
5 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions:

In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine 3 cups of sugar and the milk. Stir for a few minutes, allowing it to heat up.
While the mixture heats, place a small cast iron skillet on medium to medium-high heat. Add the 5 tablespoons of sugar, stirring until it melts and turns golden brown. Be cautious as it will be very hot and bubbly.
Once the milk and sugar mixture is very hot, carefully pour in the caramelized sugar from the skillet. Whisk together and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage. (You can test this by dropping a small amount into a glass of cool water; it should form a soft ball.)
Remove from heat and use an electric mixer to beat in the 1 1/2 sticks of cold butter. Continue mixing until the icing cools to a spreading consistency.
If the icing becomes too thick, thin it by beating in milk, one tablespoon at a time.
Ensure your cake is completely cooled before spreading the icing to prevent the top from splitting, although it will still taste delicious!