Creole Pralines - cooking recipe

Ingredients

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

Preparation

In large (3 1/2-quart) heavy saucepan, combine granulated sugar, soda, buttermilk and salt.
Cook over medium high heat about 5 minutes (210\u00b0 on candy thermometer), stirring often and scraping bottom of saucepan.
Mixture will foam up.
Add butter or margarine and pecans.
Over medium heat, continue cooking, stirring constantly and scraping bottom and sides of pan until candy reaches soft ball stage (234\u00b0 on candy thermometer).
Remove from heat and cool slightly, about 2 minutes.
Beat with spoon until thick and creamy.
Drop from tablespoon onto sheet of buttered aluminum foil or waxed paper.
Let cool.
Makes about 20 (2-inch diameter) pralines.