Aunt Bill's Microwave Candy

 

2 cups sugar 

1 teaspoon baking soda 

1 cup buttermilk 

3/4 cup butter 

1 teaspoon vanilla 

2 cups pecans, chopped    

  

Combine sugar, soda, buttermilk and butter. Cover with plastic wrap; punch holes in wrap. Microwave for 2 1/2 minutes on high; stir and turn dish. Continue cooking for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Return to microwave for 2 minutes or until soft ball stage (236 degrees). Add vanilla and beat with electric mixer until soft peaks form. Watch closely. Stir in pecans and spread in buttered 12 x 7 inch dish. Cool; cut into pieces.