Dad's Pecan Pralines

This is my husband's family recipe for making pecan pralines. He is asked every christmas to make these delicious pralines.

In a large 3 1 / 2 quart-size saucepan , combine sugar , baking soda , buttermilk , and salt.

Cook over high heat for about 5 minutes or until the mixture reaches 210 degrees on a candy thermometer.

Stir often scraping the bottom and sides.

The mixture will foam up.

Add butter , pecans , and vanilla.

Over medium heat , continue cooking.

Stir constantly scraping bottom and sides until the mixture reaches softball stage.

Remove mixture from heat.

Cool slightly.

Beat with spoon until thick and creamy.

Drop from a tablespoon onto sheet of alumium foil or wax paper.

Let cool.

Store in an airtight container.

sugar, pecans, baking soda, buttermilk, salt, butter, vanilla extract