Cornucopia Salad

Yes folks... now that I'm jobless and actually have time to make dinner, you might see a post or two from me from now on. A miracle I know. I'm loving it though.
This salad is from the "Favorites" cookbook that a few of you might own, I know Holl and Rach do. Its pretty easy, something different, and really just divine!

1/4 C slivered almonds
1 Tbls sugar
*Caramelize the almonds

1 head green leaf lettuce
1 head Romaine
1 C chopped celery ( i leave this out)
1 (11-oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
2 avocados cut into chunks
2 apples diced
1/2 C dried cranberries
1/2 C crumbled blue cheese (i use feta b/c i'm not a blue cheese fan)

Dressing:
1/2 C sugar
1 tsp grated onion
1/2 tsp salt
1 C vegetable oil (i use olive)
1/3 C apple cider vinegar
1 tsp dry mustard
3/4 tsp poppy seeds

*Toss salad, almonds, and dressing just prior to serving.