Instructions: 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.

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