2 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. buttermilk
3/4 c. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. chopped pecans

Use a huge bowl (3 X the volume of the mixture). Combine the first 4 ingredients in a glass bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and cook on high for 2 1/2 minutes. Stir and turn dish. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Cook for 2-2 1/2 minutes more. Stir. Test-soft ball stage or 236 degrees on candy thermometer. It will be very foamy and bubbly. Add vanilla and mix well with electric mixer on high, until soft peaks form (watch closely). This will take 5-10 minutes, if it takes longer, you didn't cook it long enough. Keep mixing. Stir in nuts. Pour into a buttered dish (8 x 8 inch) or (12 x 7 inch). Cool and cut in small squares. Very good and rich!