Southern Pralines - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. sugar
2 c. pecan halves
3/4 c. buttermilk
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
1/8 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. baking soda

Preparation

Combine all ingredients, except the baking soda, in a large heavy saucepan.
Cook over low heat, stirring gently, until sugar dissolves.
Cover and cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes to wash down sugar crystals from sides of pan.
Uncover and cook to soft ball stage (235\u00b0), stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and stir in soda.
Beat with a wooden spoon just until mixture begins to thicken.
Working fast, drop by tablespoons onto greased wax paper.
Let stand until firm.
Yield: 1 1/2 to 2 dozen.