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.