Honey Pecan Pralines

1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 tsp.baking soda
pinch of salt
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup pecans
Chocolate* for dipping (optional)

Mix honey, buttermilk, soda and salt in a large, deep saucepan over moderate heat.  Cook for 5-10 minutes stirring constantly with a wire whisk until concoction darkens slightly. Expect mixture to increase significantly in volume once it reaches a boil (hence the need for a large, deep saucepan).

Add butter and continue to cook until mixture forms a soft ball when dropped into cold water or reaches 234 F.  Remove from heat and add pecans.  Cool until mixture begins to thicken enough that the candy does not spread significantly when dropped onto greased wax paper or aluminum foil.

Drop by tablespoons onto greased wax paper or greased aluminum foil (aluminum foil seems to work better).  Cool completely.  Yield:  1 dozen pralines

*Original recipe did not suggest dipping the candies in chocolate, but since the honey makes the surface of the candies slightly sticky I prefer to go this route.  Plus, they taste fantastic with chocolate.

Adapted from Rodale's Naturally Delicious Desserts and Snacks, Faye Martin, 1978