Louisiana Creamy Pralines

Ingredients

 * 2 cups sugar
 * 1 tsp baking soda
 * ¾ cup evaporated milk
 * ¼ cup clear corn syrup
 * fresh pecans - approx. 1½ cups
 * 1 tablespoon butter
 * 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

 * 1) Mix sugar, baking soda, evaporated milk, and corn syrup together in heavy pot.
 * 2) Cook over medium heat stirring constantly until mixture forms a soft ball in water (approx. 235°F).
 * 3) Remove from heat, stir in butter, vanilla, and pecans.
 * 4) Beat with a wooden spoon until mixture thickens enough to drop by spoonful onto wax paper.
 * 5) Let cool and store in air tight container.