Buttermilk Fudge

2 C. sugar

1 C. buttermilk

1/2 C. butter

1 T. corn syrup

1 t. baking soda

1 t. vanilla extract
 
1/2 C. walnuts, chopped

Butter sides of large heavy saucepan or Dutch oven. Combine first 5 ingredients in pan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Use a party brush dipped in hot water to wash down any sugar crystals on the sides of the pan.

Increase heat to medium and bring to a boil. Do not stir while syrup is boiling. Continue to cook till syrup reaches a soft ball stage (234 - 240° F.) Remove from heat; add vanilla. do not stir until syrup cools to 200° F.

Using medium speed of an electric mixer, beat fudge till thicken and no longer glossy. Stir in walnuts.

Pour into buttered 8 x 8 inch pan. Cool completely. Cut into squares and store in an airtight container.