3 cups sugar, granulated
1 cup evaporated milk
1 1/2 sticks butter
1 tbsp Karo syrup

Mix all ingredients together in heavy saucepan. Cook to soft ball stage. (Stir constantly; otherwise it will scorch.) When done, set aside. Brown 1/2 cup sugar in heavy skillet over medium heat, and add to the first mixture. Stir until cool. Enough to ice 3-layer cake.