Lay the slivered almonds on a metal baking sheet.
Sprinkle generously with sugar.
"Broil" in the oven on the top rack to toast the almonds to a nice golden color and caramalize the almonds.
Watch carefully so that the almonds do not burn.
Remove from the oven and cool completely.
If the almonds are stuck together, use either your hands or a metal spatula to pull them apart.
Stir the mayonnaise, milk, sour cream, vinegar, sugar and poppy seeds together until the sugar has dissolved.
Prepare and mix all of the salad ingredients.
Either place the salad in a pretty bowl for guests to serve themselves, or plate the salad on indivdual salad plates.
Pass the poppy seed dressing around to your guests