Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   4      cups          sugar
     1/2  cup           light brown sugar
     1/2  cup           water
   1      cup           evaporated milk
   1      stick         butter
     1/2  teaspoon      salt
   4      cups          pecan pieces
   1 1/2  teaspoons     vanilla extract

Preparation:

Mix the sugar, brown sugar, water, evaporated milk, butter, and salt in a medium-size heavy saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. When the mixture begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring constantly, until a soft ball forms when a small amount of the mixture is dropped into cold water. Add the pecans and cook for 4 more minutes. Remove from the heat and beat in the vanilla for 1 minute, then drop about 2 tablespoonfuls at a time onto a buttered platter or waxed paper. Let the pralines harden, then store in a tightly covered container in a cool place. Makes about 40 pralines. Lagniappe: Pralines will easily keep a week without any loss of texture or flavor. Do not freeze. An excellent candy or dessert.