BUTTERMILK PRALINES

Steps:

• Use your favorite pot that is large enough to prevent boilovers as the candy does need a lot of room to bubble up.
• Pour the buttermilk, sugar, and baking soda in the pot.
• Stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Place the pot on low to medium burner and let the candy boil to a soft ball stage, stirring constantly all the while.
• The mixture will turn a brownish color but don't worry; it's supposed to.
• Once the soft ball stage is reached,then add two cups pecan halves, a teaspoon of vanilla and butter.
• Beat the mixture until it becomes glossy and starts to get very thick.
• Quickly spoon it onto greased wax paper making little patties.
• If you like and have time before the candy hardens, you can turn the pecan halves right side up which makes the patties look prettier.
• Let the candy completely cool before removing it from the paper.
• Should the mixture harden before you've had time to get it all onto the paper, return it to the heat for a few seconds, or until it is again of the right consistency.