Mexican Orange Drops

1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup boiling water
2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
Grated rind of 2 oranges
1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped

Heat milk in the top of a double boiler. Melt the 1 cup sugar in a saucepan. When the sugar is a rich brown, stir in the orange juice. Add the hot milk. Stir in the 2 cups sugar and salt until dissolved. Bring to a boil and cook, covered, for 3 minutes until the steam washes down any crystals on the sides of the pan.

Cook uncovered over low heat, without stirring, to the soft-ball stage, 238 degrees F.

Remove from the heat and add the orange rind. Let the mixture cool. Beat until creamy, then stir in the nuts. Drop the candy from a spoon onto heavy-duty foil.