I found a recipe in several cookbooks and all were the same.

PECAN CANDY

Combine in a saucepan:
1 cup evaporated milk
2 cups sugar
3 tbsp. Karo or light syrup

Cook to the soft ball stage, a drop in cold water holds it shape or 238 degrees. Stir often as it will scorch. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Add:
2 cups pecans
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tbsp. butter

Beat until creamy. Drop on oil paper or place in container, spread and cut when set.

One or two of the recipes called for cooking the pecans with the milk-sugar mix. Some also, called for reg. milk. All that I have eaten around here has the evaporated milk taste. Hope this helps.