Maple Pecan Spinach Salad

Salad:
1 cup pecan halves
2 T maple syrup
1/2 head of romaine lettuce
1 bunch spinach
1 (12 oz) can or 1 fresh mandarin orange
1/2 cup sliced red onion (taste first - some red onions are too hot)

Pecan Garlic Dressing:
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup vinegar
24 pecan halves
2 T brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper, to taste

In a non-stick frying pan combine pecans and maple syrup and cook until pecans are coated with syrup and are caramelied. Place remaining salad ingredients in a large bowl. Place all ingredients for dressing in a blender or food processor and process until well blended. Pour dressing over salad and gently toss to coat in large bowl. Add the caramelized pecans to the salad just before serving so they do not get soft. Serves 8