Creamy Caramel Icing

Put 1/2 cup sugar in iron skillet and set aside.

Beat egg and remaining 2 cups sugar until moist and creamy. Add milk and butter and cook over low heat until butter melts.

Turn heat on under skillet on low and heat until sugar is light brown and runny.

While sugar is browning, increase the heat under the other ingredients, stirring constantly. When liquid mixture comes to a boil and the sugar is brown and runny, add the hot sugar to the boiling liquid mixture. Cook until it reaches the soft ball stage, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Cool slightly. Add vanilla. Beat until the consistency is right to spread. If it's too thick, add a little more milk.