Orange Pralines

2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup half-and-half
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 tablespoons light Karo syrup
Juice and grated rind of 1 orange
4 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Few drops orange food coloring (optional)
2 cups chopped pecans

Place sugar, half-and-half, salt and Karo syrup in saucepan and stir constantly until mixture boils. Add orange juice slowly and continue cooking until mixture reaches soft ball stage (240 degrees F on candy thermometer). Add orange rind and cook until it again reaches 240 degrees F.

Add butter, vanilla extract and food coloring. Cool. Beat until mixture holds its shape. Add pecans. Drop on wax paper. Store in tin or plastic container.

Makes about 1 1/4 pounds.