Recipe by Donna Xander.
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon butter
2 to 3 cups pecan halves
1 teaspoon vanilla
Combine all ingredients, except butter, pecans, and vanilla in a good-sized heavy saucepan and cook for 5 minutes. Add the butter and pecans and cook until a soft ball is formed or 250 degrees on a candy thermometer. Cool for 2 minutes and then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and beat until no longer glossy. Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper coated with cooking spray. Let harden and remove.
