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

Mix sugar, soda, buttermilk, and salt together. Cook to soft ball stage, 238 degrees. Add pecans and cook until thermometer again registers 238 degrees. Remove from fire and add butter. Cool slightly, add vanilla. Beat until mixture begins to thicken.

Drop by tablespoon onto wax paper. Mixture should be thin enough to run slightly when you stop beating, work fast so the last pralines do not become too stiff.