Pecan Buttermilk Pralines

FROM THE JOY OF COOKING
(about 40-2inch pieces)
2cups pecan halves (or pieces)
2cups sugar
1/2cup packed light brown sugar
1tsp baking soda
pinch of salt
1cup buttermilk
1/4cup (1/2stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces & softened
1tsp vanilla
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven 350F
2. Spread pecans in a baking pan & toast in the oven, stirring occasinoally, until very lightly browned, 5-8min. set aside to cool. line a baking sheet w/wax paper.
3. Combine both sugars, baking soda,, salt & buttermilk in a large heavy saucepan. Stir over low heat w/a long-handled wooden spoon until sugar is dissolved.
4. Wash down the sides of the pan with a pastry brushed dipped in warm water. Add butter. Stir to melt the buter completely.
5. Raise the heat to med, place a warmed candy thermometer in the pan, & cook without stirring until mixture reaches 236F, the soft-ball stage. Remove from heat.
6. Quickly stir in toasted pecans & vanilla. Beat w/a wooden spoon for 1min(or until mix thickens, and becomes opaque).
7. Drop tbspful onto lined baking sheet forming patties about 2inches in diametere. Let pralines stand until completely cool (about 30min).