Using a large pot, pour in:

1 cup buttermilk
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp. baking soda

Stir until the sugar is thoroughly mixed. Put this mixture on medium heat and let it cook and bubble up, stirring constantly until it turns brownish in color and reaches the soft boil stage.

Remove the pot from the heat and add:

1 Tbsp. butter

1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups pecan halves

Beat the mixture until it becomes glossy and starts to crystallize. Quickly spoon out the candy into little patties on wax paper. Let cool.