Mandarin Orange Salad

1/2 c sliced almonds
3 Tbsp sugar
1/2 head lettuce
1/2 head romaine lettuce
1 c chopped celery (optional)
2 green onions, chopped (optional)
11 oz can mandarin oranges, drained
1/2 tsp salt
dash pepper
1/4 c oil
1 Tbsp chopped parsley
2 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp vinegar
dash tabasco


Cook almonds and 3 Tbsp sugar in frying pan until sugar melts onto almonds.  Cool.  Set aside.
Mix salt, pepper, oil, parsley, 2 Tbsp sugar, vinegar and tabasco in small container.  Set aside.
Mix lettuces, celery, onion, and oranges in bowl.  Right before serving, mix in sugared almonds and pour salad dressing over lettuce.  Toss and serve.

Hint:  Sugared almonds and salad dressing may both be prepared ahead of time. Salad dressing seems to lose some of the sharp vinegar taste/smell if it is prepared earlier and allowed to breathe.

recipe from Lisa Kruse