Spinach Salad (Melodie)

Salad:

1/2 cup sliced almonds                                           

3/4 cup sugar                                                        

1 bunch of spinach                                                 

2 heads romaine lettuce                                        

1 purple onion - sliced

3/4 lb. Mushrooms

2 cans mandarin oranges

1 lb. Cooked chopped bacon

Dressing:

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil                                         

2/3 cup white vinegar                                          

2 TBS. grated purple onion                                               

2/3 cup sugar

1 1/2 tsp. Salt

1/2 cup raspberry jam (frozen is best)

Prepare nuts by cooking nuts in frying pan with sugar.  Cook over medium heat until sugar coats the nuts.  You may need to add more sugar.  Mix together remaining salad ingredients in large bowl.  Blend dressing ingredients in blender until mixed.  Taste and see if more jam is needed or any raspberry vinaigrette.  Just prior to serving, pour over salad.  Top with nuts.