Grease a 9 by 13 inch Pyrex tray with plenty of butter and set aside. Combine all the ingredients, except the baking soda, into a large heavy bottomed pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium high and attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pot. Continue to boil until the mixture reaches 124°C (255°F) to 126°C (260°F).
Remove the pot from heat and add the baking soda. Stir the mixture. The baking soda will react with the mixture and make it swell, this is why you don't want your pot to be too small!
Pour the mixture into the well buttered 33 X 23 cm (9 X 13 in) Pyrex tray and let it cool for 15 minutes.
When the taffy is cool enough to handle, butter your hands and tear off a piece of the taffy. The piece can be as big or small as you want. A handful is a good amount to start with.
Begin pulling the taffy. Pull the taffy out into a line. Fold the taffy in halve and then give it a twist. Pull it out into a line again.
Continue pulling the taffy for 5 to 10 minutes or longer until it turns golden in colour. This part is fun for the kids to do!
When the taffy is golden in colour shape it into a log and cut it into 2.5 cm (1 in) chunks. Wrap it in wax paper. Or you can simply eat it. Yum!
Wrap each taffy in wax paper and don't forget to eat a few while they're still warm. Yum!
