Mix sugar, salt, milk and butter in a heavy 2-quart saucepan. Cook and stir with a wooden spoon over low heat until sugar is dissolved.

Add pecans. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, to soft ball stage on a candy thermometer.

Remove from heat. Let cool 5 minutes. Stir rapidly until mixture begins to thicken and coat pecans lightly. The color will also begin to lighten as well.

Drop rapidly from a tablespoon onto bright side of aluminum foil to form patties. If candy becomes too stiff to handle easily, stir in a few drops of hot water.

Let patties stand until cool and set. Remove from foil. Store in airtight container.