Lettuce-Mandarin orange Salad

1/2 Cup sliced almonds
1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon sugar


1/2 head lettuce-broken into bite sized pieces
2 medium stalks chipped celery
2 green onions with tops- thinly sliced
1- 11 oz can mandarin oranges-drained

Sweet-sour dressing-Mix ingredients in a jar-to shake dressing until it is well mixed
1/2 cup canola oil
1 Tablespoon snipped parsley (or dried parsley works well, too)
2 Tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons vinegar
 Dash of pepper

Directions and Story; Cook almonds and sugar over low heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is melted and almonds are lightly browned and coated. (or easier yet-buy honey roasted almonds-they work great and are easier to use) Break lettuce in pieces and mix with celery and onions. Pour dressing over lettuce mixture, add oranges. mix well. Serve immediately. Sprinkle almonds over salad.

I have used this salad as the first course of a sit down dinner. Often I have served this at our 'Valentine-candle light dinner'. Chill the salad plates and spoon salad onto chilled plates, remove salad plates before serving main meal. It's a nice way to serve a lettuce salad.