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

Use your favorite candy-making boiler -- one that overflows. Pour buttermilk, sugar and soda. Thats it! Just stir until the sugar is thoroughly mixed. Put this mixture on medium heat and let it cook and bubble up, stirring constantly, until it turns brownish in color and reaches the soft-ball stage.

Remove the pan from the heat and add butter, vanilla and pecans. Beat the mixture until it becomes glossy and starts to crystalize. Quickly spoon out the candy into little patties, about 2 inches in circumference, on waxed paper or greased cookie sheet. Let cool. (If mixture begins to turn sugary or harden too fast before you can get it all spooned out, return it to the heat for a few minutes to get it back to the right consistency.) This is delicious candy.