Generously butter 2 baking sheets. In a medium saucepan, mix together sugar, salt, milk and butter. Stir and cook over low heat until sugar is dissolved and mixture reaches soft-ball stage, 234 degrees on a candy thermometer.
Remove pan from heat and let mixture cool, about 5 minutes. Then beat until mixture begins to thicken. Add pecans and gently stir to coat nuts.
Quickly drop tablespoons of mixture onto prepared sheets and flatten into 2-inch patties. If mixture becomes too stiff, stir hot water in gradually, a teaspoon at a time. Makes about 20 patties. Enjoy!