Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

SALAD
1 large pkg. spinach leaves, already torn (costco)
16-oz container cottage cheese, drained & rinsed very well (only want curds) OR 1 bag curds
1 large can REAL bacon bits
1 large container SHREDDED Parmesan cheese (costco)
1 med. red onion, sliced into rings
1 can mandarin oranges, drained
carmelized almonds in sugar

Carmelized Almonds
1/2 cup almonds
3 TBS sugar
Over medium heat in small pan, heat until almonds are coated and sugar is dissolved.

Combine ingredients and toss. Refrigerate until ready. Serve dressing on the side.

Poppyseed Dress (makes 1 quart)
1 1/2 cups sugar
2/3 cup Red wine vinegar
2 tsp. dry mustard
2 tsp. salt
1 small onion, chopped
2 cups olive oil
1 TBS poppy seeds

Combine all ingredients EXCEPT poppy seeds in blender. Blend for 1 minute, then stir in poppy seeds.