After we discussed Juanita's products last week, I happened on some in
my local Fry's.

The only two they had were the Menudo and the Chicken Posole.

I grabbed one of each.

And, luckily, tried the Menudo first.

Luckily, because I think if I'd left it for another meal and actually
had more anticipation for it, I'd have been downright angry at myself.

Oh my lack of god what an evil mess.

I've had tripe before, and it was challenging, but this was hideous.
Huge flaps of warty, translucent flesh. It looked like someone had
been flensed into the can to hide evidence of a murder.

And the smell! Like corn chips, feet, and ass. No, I'm not being
sarcastic.

I tasted a little of the broth as it was heating, and got nothing but
salt and corn. No directions on the can, but the serving-size
information said I wouldn't have needed to dilute it.

I didn't even let it get past warm. I diluted it into the turbocharged
disposal, rinsed the pot well, and opened the Chicken Posole.

Immediately I could tell it would be an improvement. No corn-chip
smell in the can. When it was heated, it was a fairly hearty chicken
soup, with big lumps of chicken ("Estilio Casera", the can says,
"Homestyle") and a significant but not burning spice to it. The hominy
wasn't an overpowering corn essence at all. More like popcorn-flavored
chick-peas. Maybe even a little too mild for the spicy, stocky broth.

In total, the Posole was downright tasty. The opposite of what the
Menudo was like. I can't believe Latinos subject themselves to
something like that on "special" occasions. White folks' fear of
fruitcake is just kidding around; Menudo - or maybe just this Menudo -
is real punishment.

I give Juanita's Chicken Posole three and a half stars and a spot on my
next shopping list.

I give Juanita's Menudo minus fifteen stars and a restraining order.

--Blair