Pecan Pralines

3 t butter
1/2 c butter, cubed
2 c sugar
1 c packed brown sugar
1 c half-and-half
1/2 c sweetened condensed milk
1 t light corn syrup
dash salt
3 c pecan halves
1/2 t vanilla

Line three baking sheets with foil and grease the foil with 1 t butter each. 

Melt cubed butter in large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Stir in sugars, cream, milk, corn syrup and salt; cook and stir until boiling. Cook, stirring occasionally until soft-ball stage (236 degrees); about 20 minutes. 

Remove from heat and stir in pecans and vanilla. Cool without stirring to 170, about 20 minutes. stir with a wooden spoon until mixture begins to thicken but is still glossy, about 2 minutes. 

Drop mixture by rounded spoonfuls on to baking sheets. let stand until pralines are set and no longer glossy. Regrigerate for 1 hour or until set. Store candies in airtight container in refrigerator.