3/4 c. buttermilk
2 c. sugar
2 c. pecan halves
1/8 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. baking soda
1-2 tsp. vanilla

In a 4 or 5-quart glass or ceramic dish, stir together buttermilk, sugar, pecans, salt and butter. Cook in microwave oven on High for 12 minutes, stirring at 4-minute intervals. Stir in baking soda until foamy. Cook on High 1 minute. (This last step gives the pralines a caramel color). Add vanilla and beat mixture until tacky, about 1 minute. Drop by teaspoon on a sheet of foil or waxed paper.