Cornucopia Salad (a.k.a. Aunt Kay's "Magic" Salad)

From: Aunt Kay

1 head of red leaf lettuce (romaine is ok too)

1 can mandarin oranges, drained

1 c. crumbled blue cheese

1 granny smith apple, diced, soaked in lemon juice

1/2 c. chopped parsley

1 avocado cubed (optional)

1 c. caramelized almonds (see recipe below)

1 c. dried cranberries

4 green onions, chopped

Caramelized almonds:

1 c. slivered almonds

1/4 c. sugar

1 t. cinnamon

1. Mix sugar and cinnamon together.
2. In a DRY, non-stick skillet, place almonds and sugar mix over medium high heat until sugar melts and coats the almonds.
3. Remove from heat and spread the nuts on foil to cool. (Soak the pan if the sugar gets stuck to the pan. It will dissolve.)
4. Break apart any clumps.

Salad Dressing:

1/2 c. canola oil (olive oil tastes strange in this dressing)

3 T. parsley, chopped

4 T. sugar

4 T. apple cider vinegar

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. pepper

Shake together all the dressing ingredients in a sealed container to mix.

To assemble the salad, mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl and pour the salad dressing on top. Toss and serve.