Texas Date Loaf Candy

Directions

1. 1
   In a heavy large saucepan combine sugar and milk. Stir over low heat, not letting it boil, until sugar is dissolved. Raise heat to medium and bring to a boil. Add chopped dates and continue to boil until it reaches the soft ball stage (238° F.). Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla and pecans. Cool to lukewarm. Tear off a sheet of waxed paper and have ready for rolling the candy (or do the old-Texas way of soaking a clean non-terry cloth dish towel in cold water and wring it out). Beat candy with a large spoon until mixture becomes creamy and starts to thicken like fudge. Pour mixture out on the waxed paper or damp dish towel and roll up into a long roll about 11/2-inches in diameter. Allow to harden. It may be refrigerated to speed the process. Then unroll and cut into slices. Delicious!