In a saucepan on low heat, melt 1/2 cup sugar with the water, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Set aside. Combine in a pan the milk and corn syrup. Heat. While heating, in a bowl, combine the cornstarch with 1/4 cup milk. Stir until smooth, then add in 1/2 cup sugar, salt and egg yolks. Mix well and add to the scalded milk-syrup mixture and cook until thickened. Add in the caramelized sugar. Cook on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add in butter and vanilla. Pour into a 9-inch baked pie shell. Top with meringue. Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until browned. From a collection of my mothers (Judy Hosey) recipe box which contained lots of her favorite recipes, clippings, etc. Downloaded from Glens MM Recipe Archive, G Internet.