Annie's Pecan Pralines

I have been making these pralines for 20 years. They are creamy, not sticky, and do not have that gritty sugar texture.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Yields: 25 Pralines (approximately)

Ingredients

• 2  cups white sugar
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1  cup buttermilk
• 1  pinch salt
• 2  tablespoons butter or 2  tablespoons margarine
• 2 1⁄2 cups pecan halves

Directions

1. Combine in a large pan the sugar, soda, buttermilk and salt.
2. Cook briskly, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
3. Add butter and pecans.
4. Cook for approximately 5 minutes more, or until mixture reaches softball stage (234ºF).
5. Remove from heat and beat until just creamy.
6. Drop by spoonsful onto waxed paper.
7. Store in airtight containers.
8. NOTE: If you put newspapers under the waxed paper, it is easier to remove candy without breaking.