Pecan Pralines
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons margarine
2 1/2 cups pecan halves
Combine sugar, soda, buttermilk and salt in a 3 1/2-quart heavy saucepan. Cook for about 5 minutes over high heat until the temperature reaches 210 degrees on a candy thermometer. Stir often, scraping the bottom of the pan; the mixture will foam up. Add butter and pecans.
Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly and scraping the sides and bottom of pan until the candy reaches the soft-ball stage (234 degrees on the candy thermometer). Remove from the heat and cool slightly for about 2 minutes. Beat with a spoon until thick and creamy. Next drop a tablespoon of the mixture onto a sheet of waxed paper or aluminum foil. Let the pralines cool completely.
Makes 20 (2-inch) pralines
