Buttermilk Pecan Pralines

3 cups sugar
1 pinch salt
3/4 cup white corn syrup
2 cups pecan halves
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons butter

In a large saucepan, (5 or 6 Quart size) combine sugar, baking soda, salt, buttermilk and corn syrup. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low, continue cooking until mixture becomes caramel-colored and reaches soft ball stage (238 degrees). Remove from heat, add butter and pecan halves.

Beat until thick enough to drop from a spoon onto waxed paper. If mixture becomes too hard, return to heat and add small amount of water. Stir until smooth.

Yield: 44 to 48 Pralines.

Variation: Reduce sugar to 2 cups. Omit corn syrup. Increase butter to 3/4 cup, add 1 teaspoon vanilla. Include butter in cooking stage. Add vanilla with pecans.