CANFEST PRALINES

2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter or margarine (not low-fat)
2 1/2 cups pecan halves

Mix sugar, baking soda, buttermilk, and salt in a 3 1/2-quart saucepan. Cook over high heat to 210 degrees F on a candy thermometer, about 5 minutes. Stir often, scraping bottom of pan. The mixture will foam up.

After 5 minutes, add butter and pecans. Stir constantly, scraping bottom and sides of pan while cooking on medium heat to 234 degrees F on a candy thermometer. Or test for soft-ball stage by putting 1/2 teaspoon into cool water. Using your fingers, form mixture into a ball and pick it up. If it flattens instantly, it's ready.

Remove from heat; cool about 2 minutes. With a spoon, beat until thick and creamy, then drop by tablespoons onto waxed paper or foil. Let candy cool completely.

Makes about 60 pieces
Source: Hints from Heloise, September 2000