Creamy Pralines

Butter or margarine
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
3/4 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 cups pecan pieces
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 to 1 teaspoon almond extract

Grease wax paper sheet with butter, then set aside.

Combine sugar and next 5 ingredients in a large heavy saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring gently, until butter melts. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture reaches soft ball stage (238 degrees F), about 15 minutes.

Remove from heat; stir in pecans and flavorings. Beat with a wooden spoon just until mixture begins to thicken. Working rapidly, drop by rounded tablespoonsful onto prepared wax paper. Let stand until firm.

Makes 4 dozen.