Mexican Orange Candy

This is a Christmas specialty.

1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups milk
2 cups granulated sugar
Grated rind of 2 oranges
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup butter
1 cup nuts

Melt the first cup of sugar in a large vessel over medium heat while the milk is scalding in another saucepan. When the sugar is melted (stir continually and watch to keep from scorching), add the hot milk, all at once, stirring. Add the other two cups of sugar to this mixture. This will cause a hard ball in the mixture, but keep stirring until dissolved. Cook until it forms a hard ball in water or use a candy thermometer. Just before it is done, add grated orange rind, salt, butter and nuts. Remove from heat and beat until creamy. Pour into a buttered 9-inch square pan to cool. Cut into squares when cooled.