Great-Grandma Cathy's Date and Pecan Loaf

Combine sugar, milk, and butter in a saucepan; heat until the mixture reaches boiling point without stirring once it starts to bubble vigorously. Allow the mixture to simmer for 20 minutes, or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a rigid ball. Remove the saucepan from heat immediately and stir in dates, pecans, and vanilla into the milk mixture.

Prepare a flat work surface by laying out a piece of cheesecloth. Pour the candy mixture onto the center of the cloth and begin to roll it around the mixture, shaping it into a log as you go.

Place the log in the refrigerator and allow it to harden for 8 hours or overnight, depending on your schedule. Once set, remove the log from the cheesecloth and slice it into individual pieces.