Buttermilk Pecan Pralines

1 cup buttermilk

2 cups sugar

Large pinch salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons vanilla

1/8 pound butter (1/2 stick, or 4 tablespoons)

2 cups pecans

Stir the buttermilk and sugar together plus soda and salt, and cook in deep pot, stirring all the time until mahogany brown in color. Add vanilla, butter and beat till almost thick. Add nuts and drop by spoonful on marble slab or parchment paper to cool.