SPINACH SALAD

This is my sister-in-law, Nicole's recipe and it is super good!!!

1/2 bunch fresh spinach
1/4 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup sugared almonds (or slivered almonds)
1/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 head lettuce
1/2 can mandarin oranges, drained
1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced

Microwave bacon on a plate covered w/paper towel to absorb grease. Cook 2-3 minutes. Crumble cooked bacon. Mix lettuce, spinach, and mushrooms together. Sprinkle bacon, oranges, cheese, and almonds on top. Serve with Poppy seed dressing.

POPPY SEED DRESSING
1/2 cup white vinegar
2 teaspoons poppy seed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon pureed onion
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
Mix all ingredients (except oil) until sugar is completely dissolved.
While beating on high speed drop 2-3 drops of oil into mixture. Gradually add remaining oil in a thin stream to complete emulsification.
* This recipe makes A LOT of dressing, may want to half it.

SUGARED ALMONDS
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1 1/2 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon melted butter

Blend sugar and melted butter well. Coat almonds and spread them on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes. Stir after 7 minutes. When lightly browned, remove from oven. Loosen nuts with a metal spatula and let them cool completely.