I found these recipes on the internet. I have not tried any of them. You could try each and see which is closest to the one you so fondly remember, granddaughter. Good luck :-)!!

CARMEL FROSTING

1 1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup milk
1/4 cup crisco
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp butter

Bring to a boil.
When it starts boiling, let boil 1 min. Cool. Then stir until ready to spread on cake.

Caramel Icing
1/2 c. margarine, melted
1 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
powdered sugar

In a saucepan, melt margarine. Stir in brown sugar, milk and vanilla. Bring to a boil, then add enough powdered sugar to thicken. Start with 1 1/2 cups, and if not enough, add more.

Caramel Icing

2 cups brown sugar
4 Tbsp. milk or cream
3 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. flour

Mix flour and sugar then add other ingredients. Stir constantly and cook 1 minute. Remove from fire and beat. Add cream if this is too thick.

Caramel Icing

1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup oleo or butter
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup milk

Stir and bring to a boil. Boil slowly 3 minutes. Cool. Add 1 1/4 cups confectioners sugar and beat until smooth.

Carmel Frosting

2 1/4 cups (1 box) brown sugar
1 cup milk
1/2 cup margarine
1 tsp. vanilla

Combine sugar, milk, oleo and bring to a boil. Stir constantly to soft ball stage. Cool to 110, add vanilla and beat to right consistency. GREAT on Date Nut Cake!

Carmel Icing

1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup sugar
1 stick butter
3 egg yolks
1 tsp. vanilla

Place milk, sugar, and butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Beat egg yolks. Remove mixture from heat and slowly add yolks to mixture, stirring constantly. Add vanilla. Return to stove and cook over medium heat until thick. Cool completely before using.