Buttermilk Pecan Pralines

1 tsp. soda1 c. buttermilk3 c. sugar1 c. butterPinch of salt2 tbsp. white corn syrup1 tsp. vanilla1 1/2 c. pecan halves

Add soda to buttermilk. Mix sugar, buttermilk mixture, butter, salt and syrup. Cook until it forms a rather hard ball when dropped into water. (Do not undercook or pralines will not set up firm enough.) Add vanilla and then pecans, and stir a short time. Cool rapidly. Spoon pralines on waxed paper. Makes 22-48 pralines.