Creamy Burnt Sugar Icing

Ingredients

1/2 c sugar

1/4 c boiling water

1/2 c shortening - use part butter

2 1/2 T flour

1/4 tsp salt

3 c powdered sugar

2-3 T water

1/2 tsp vanilla

Directions

Caramelize 1/2 cup sugar Add 1/4 cup boiling water.

Melt in saucepan 1/2 cup shortening - use part butter. Remove from heat and add 2 1/2 T. flour and 1/4 tsp. salt. Slowly stir in caramel water. Bring to a boil for 1 minute. If mixture curdles, it's okay. Remove from heat.

Beat in 3 cups powdered sugar alternately with about 2-3 T. water. Set saucepan in bowl of cold water. Beat until spreading consistency. Add 1/2 tsp. vanilla. If it becomes too thick to spread, add a little water.