1 c. buttermilk
2 c. granulated sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
2 c. pecan halves
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tbsp. butter

Use a large pot as the candy needs a lot of room to bubble up. Put the milk, sugar, and soda in the pot and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Place the pan on low to medium heat and let the mixture boil to soft ball stage, stirring all the time. The mixture will turn a brownish color. Once the soft ball stage is reached remove from the heat and add the pecans, vanilla, and butter. Beat the mixture briskly until it becomes glossy and starts to get very thick. Quickly spoon it onto greased wax paper. Let cool before removing from the wax paper.