Juanita's soups redux

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 butt. 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