3 cups sugar
1 cup light cream
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup butter
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup pecans chopped
Put 1 cup of the sugar in heavy skillet and place on low heat. Stir continually till sugar caramelizes and turns light brown. In the meantime mix the remaining 2 cups of sugar and cream in heavy saucepan and place on low heat. Slowly pour the caramelized sugar in a fine stream into the sugar and cream mixture, stirring continuously. Cook and stir over low heat till mixture forms a firm ball when tested in cold water. Remove from heat and immediately add baking soda, stirring vigorously. Add butter and salt and let stand 20 minutes. Add vanilla and begin beating. Using a wooden spoon, beat till mixture is thick and heavy and has a dull appearance instead of a glossy sheen. Add chopped nuts and turn into a buttered pan. When slightly cool, cut into squares. Candy stays moist indefinitely if stored in covered container in refrigerator. Makes 2 pounds candy.