Buster'S Oklahoma Brown Candy

Instructions

1. Put 2 cups of sugar into a heavy skillet.
2. Melt over low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until it becomes a light brown syrup.
3. Be careful not to let it smoke or turn dark brown.
4. Dump 4 cups of sugar and 2 cups of milk into a large deep kettle.
5. Place over low heat and simmer while stirring to melt the sugar.
6. When the sugar in the skillet has melted, pour it in a fine stream into the mixture in the kettle, stirring constantly to blend.
7. Cook and stir until the mixture reaches the firm ball stage (244° or 248°).
8. Remove from heat.
9. Add soda and stir as it foams.
10. Set aside for 20 minutes.
11. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and beat until the candy becomes thick.
12. Fold in the broken pecans.
13. Pour into a buttered pan and cool.
14. Freeze if desired; the candy is delicious when frozen.