Caramel Butter Nut Icing

1/3 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup butter
1 cup light brown sugar
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup pecans, finely chopped
1/4 cup pecans (optional)

Heat buttermilk and butter. Add sugars. Bring to a boil and continue boiling until the soft ball stage is reached. Add finely chopped pecans and beat until of spreading consistency. After the cake is iced, sprinkle 1/4 cup pecans over top if desired.