BURNT-SUGAR CAKE WITH CARAMEL FROSTING

Steps:

• Heat 1/2 cup sugar slowly in a small saucepan, stirring constantly.
• When sugar is melted and begins to smoke add boiling water slowly and carefully stirring constantly.
• Continue cooking until syrup measures 1/2 cup, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
• Set aside to cool.
• Meanwhile, cream butter well; add 1 cup sugar gradually, beating until light and fluffy.
• Add vanilla, then egg yolks one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.
• Stir in cold caramel syrup.
• Add sifted dry ingredients alternately with milk, beating until smooth.
• Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry.
• Fold into flour mixture.
• Pour batter into three round 9 inch layer pans, 1 inch deep, lined on the bottom with paper, then greased.
• Bake in moderate oven, 375 degrees, for about 20 minutes.
• Let stand for 5 minutes, then turn out on racks to cool.
• Spread Caramel Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake.
• Caramel Frosting: Mix butter, cream, brown sugar and salt in saucepan.
• Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat; add vanilla.
• Then add gradually enough sifted confectioner's sugar to make frosting of speading consistency.