2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 Tbsps. butter
2 cups pecans, or more
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Cook in large saucepan. Quickly bring the first 4 ingredients to a boil, stirring constantly until mixture takes on a creamy texture and brownish color. Add butter and pecans. Cook over medium heat to soft ball stage. Remove from heat. Add vanilla when bubbling stops. Beat until mixture loses gloss. Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper.