1 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda
2 c. sugar
3 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. roasted salted macadamia nuts, halved

Place buttermilk in 2-quart heavy saucepan. Stir in baking soda and sugar, using wooden spoon. Place over medium heat and bring to boil, stirring constantly. If sugar crystals are present, wash down sides of pan with wet pastry brush.

Clip on candy thermometer. Continue cooking to 236 degrees or soft ball stage. Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla and macadamia nuts. Stir with wooden spoon until mixture is just beginning to thicken but is still creamy and glossy. Spoon into wax paper-lined jelly roll pan, forming about 2 inch patties. (Stir in 1/2 teaspoon hot water, if mixture becomes too stiff to drop.) Cool at room temperature. Makes 15 to 18 pralines. 258 calories.