Alabama Pralines

1 cup buttermilk
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
Dash of salt
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In saucepan, combine buttermilk, sugar, baking soda and salt. Bring to a boil and simmer slowly until mixture forms a hard ball when dropped into cold water. Do not stir more than necessary during this cooking period.

Remove from heat; add pecans and vanilla extract. Beat until dull. Drop by tablespoons onto foil. Let stand at least 30 minutes to cream and harden.

NOTE: Humidity will cause pralines to become sugary.