Autumn Pumpkin Pie Fudge

3 Cups sugar
1 Cup Milk
3 Tbsp corn syrup
1/2 cup canned pure pumpkin
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp VE Pumpkin Pie Spice
1 tsp VE Pure Vanilla Extract
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

1. Place a large saucepan over medium heat and add sugar, milk, corn syrup, pumpkin, and salt. Mix well.
2. Continue to stir mixture and allow mixture to come to a boil then reduce heat; let it continue to boil, but do not stir, until it reaches soft ball stage (or 232 F using a Candy thermometer), remove from heat.
3. Stir in remaining ingredients. Let mixture cool (to 100 F).
4. Using a wooden spoon, beat until thick and mixture loses some of its; gloss.
5. Quickly pour mixture into buttered 8" square pan. Cool on counter and cut into pieces when firm.