Caramel Candy - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 c. sugar
1 c. milk
2 c. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 stick butter
1 c. broken pecans (optional)

Preparation

Put 1/2 cup sugar into a cast-iron skillet.
Cook at medium heat until sugar is caramelized.
Pour in milk and let cook until caramel is dissolved.
Add 2 cups of sugar and salt.
Reduce heat slightly and cook, stirring as little as possible, until candy thermometer reads 250\u00b0 or until the candy reaches soft ball stage. Remove from heat.
Add butter and let cool to 120\u00b0 on thermometer.
Do not stir at all during this stage or it will be grainy.
When cool, beat until candy loses its glossy appearance. Add nuts, if desired, and pour onto greased surface.