Western Pralines
["2 c. Imperial sugar", "1 tsp. soda", "1 c. buttermilk", "1/8 tsp. salt", "2 Tbsp. butter", "2 1/2 c. pecan halves"]
["In large (3 1/2 quart) heavy saucepan, combine sugar, soda, buttermilk and salt.", "Cook over high heat for about 5 minutes or to 210\u00b0 on candy thermometer.", "Stir often and scrape bottom of pan. Mixture will foam up!", "Add butter and pecans.", "Over medium heat, continue cooking, stirring constantly and scraping bottom and sides of pan until candy reaches soft ball stage (234\u00b0).", "Remove from heat and cool slightly, only 2 minutes.", "Beat with spoon until thick and creamy.", "Drop from tablespoon onto waxed paper or foil. Let cool.", "Makes about 20."]
["sugar", "soda", "buttermilk", "salt", "butter", "pecan halves"]