**Blend dressing ingredients in a blender or use a hand mixer. (The hand mixer works the best).**
Caramelize the almonds.
Pour almonds in a small pan over medium heat.
Pour sugar evenly over the top.
Heat until the sugar melts. (It takes awhile but watch it carefully so they don't burn).
Brown almonds.
Pour almonds on a dish that is sprayed with a non-stick spray.
Cool.
Top the salad with the cheese, bacon, mushrooms, caramelized almonds, red onion and mandarin oranges.
Serve the dressing separately.
Go to full version of