Special Spinach Salad

This is a grand prize salad winner for Country Woman Magazine
No caloric information is given.

Ingredients

1. 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup slivered almonds
2. 1 bunch Romaine, torn
3. 6 0z. fresh baby spinach
4. 1/2 lb sliced fresh mushrooms
5. 3 cups shredded swiss cheese
6. 1 medium red onion, sliced
7. 1/2 lb sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
8. 1 can (15 0z) mandarin oranges, drained

Poppy Seed Dressing

1/3 cup white vinegar

1/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 tbs Dijon mustard

3/4 tsp salt.

3/4 cup canola oil

2 tsp poppy seeds

First, melt the sugar in a heavy, small skillet over low heat. Add the almonds and stir to coat. Spread onto a greased sheet of foil. Break apart if necessary.

Second combine the romaine, spinach, mushrooms, cheese, onion, bacon and oranges.

Last, make the dressing, combining the first five ingredients in a blenders. Slowly add the oil in a steady stream and stir in the poppy seeds.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle candied almonds and serve. 21 servings. (The author notes that you can give the recipe, the candied almonds and a bottle of the dressing as a present)