Where can I buy real Chihuahua cheese?

[kiwi]

I saw an old episode of Martha Stewart, today. There was a lady on who made a "Mexican Fondue," using Chihuahua cheese. As soon as she said it I remebered having it in Chicago and loving it. Where can I buy it here? I'm not looking for something that is like Chihuahua cheese, I wan't the real deal (with out having to/getting to go to Chicago). If it's known by another name here, please advise. THANK YOU THANK YOU!
love,
kiwi
...there I go again with the love...

[Dommy]

IIRC, Chihuahua is a BRAND of cheese, not really Cheese based on the Chihuahua style... It is true, it's a melting cheese.

Sadly Supremo doesn't distribute out here. We're strictly a Cacique city...

From my experience, Chihuahua is very similar to Oxacan Cheese you can get pretty much at any Mexican Supermarket. Cacique also makes a Quesadilla cheese which they claim is their Fundio/Melting Cheese...

--Dommy!

[kiwi]

Thank you, dear Dommy!

[alohaanna]

Have you tried going to Vallarta's cheese counter and asking them?
I found a truly great Monterey Jack from Monterey, Mexico that makes every other Monterey Jack I've had a pale comparison. They might be able to help you on this.

[SilverlakeGirl]

Chihuahua cheese is usually the most famous cheese from that area ... Queso Memonitas. Originally made by the Monnonites in that area and now made widely, it is a white melting cheese.

My personal experience is that real Menonitas cheese does not resemble any other Mexican cheese and shouldn't be substituted. The exception would be in melted xheese dishes which you mention. But it is superb as a stand alone cheese.

Where to get it is the probem. I used to frequest a cheese stand in El Mercado for many years where I would stock up when I was there. Every once in awhile get a hankering and look for it to no avail.

I have not tried the Alameda Swap Meet and have high hopes for finding real Queso Menonitas there.

[Will Owen]

The Supremo brand mentioned above, from Chicago, must be a good copy; it is not, for instance, hard to find Mennonite cheese-makers in that part of the world, too! Anyway, I used to get the Supremo peppered Chihuahua in Nashville, and it's like no other jalapeño cheese I've been able to find. The Cacique stuff is too much like a processed cheese, gooey and almost too rich, and all the jacks are just not rich-tasting enough. Only May-Bud comes close, IMO.

[kiwi]

Will, can I buy May-Bud here?

[Will Owen]

I've seen it at Ralphs - I guess it's distributed by Kroger. Don't remember if I've seen it at Gelson's or Bristol Farms...but you might look.

[abnerkl]

My parents come from this back ground and my dad worked in the cheese factory when he was a kid I have had the real Queso Mennonitas when in Chihuahua visiting Family and I can not say there is not another cheese that is as good....each little Mennonite has milking cows and they sell all the milk to the local cheese factories ...

[El Duranguense]

Hi Kiwi
If you still have not found the cheese and you are still interested....I know where to find that kind of delicious cheese. Please let me know.

[bennorthenor]

Please Please Please let me know where to get the Chiahuahua Cheese or Mennonite Cheese. I have been looking everywhere in Los Angeles and can't find it anywhere. Thanks in Advance.

ben

[Dommy]

I believe I've seen it at one of the butchers on the second level of el Mercado in ELA...

--Dommy!

[ozzygee]

I think the Cacique Asadero cheese has the right melting properties you're looking for in a fondue. And it should be easy enough to find.

[tmpruyn]

Cacique asadero tastes like Kraft singles. It's hard to believe there aren't better cheeses available in Los Angeles.

Where is El Mercado?

[Dommy]

First and Lorena in ELA.

Also, in the past two years, Lala, a Mexican Milk company has entered the market and they have a Chihuahua style cheese. I need to investigate if they will distribute it in the U.S. because Supremo has been VERY protective of their brand...

--Dommy!

[Eat_Nopal]

Their Asadero has gotten pretty bad... I stopped using it in the late '90s. Their Monterrey Jack however (the round wheel) is surprisingly good and has that subtle almost sourdough flavor you find in real Chihuhua / Menonita cheeses.

[LuluTheMagnificent]

Have we still not found this cheese?

[Aunt Jenny]

In case anyone's still interested, you can often find very nice Chihuahua (or, more frequently, Oaxaca) cheese in bulk in the meat case at Mexican markets. Cacique's stuff is nasty, indeed; you'd be better off with plain ol', store-brand Monterey Jack.

[LuluTheMagnificent]

I still cannot find it!

[Borderpundit]

kiwi, I think the "Mexican fondue" referred to might be Queso Fundido... a melted cheese, often containing green chiles or chorizo, that is served with tortillas. Spoon the cheese into the tortillas, fold and enjoy bliss.

Seek out any Mexican grocery store and you're likely to find imported (or pretty good US-made Mexican style) cheese.

Here on the Border, it's no problem to find Asadero or "Queso Quesadilla." There is also Oaxaca available in some places. The melting cheeses are mild and easily found... wherever there is a Mexican market. Find one -- you'll be stunned by the quality and how much you can use in your cooking.

[chef veronica]

If anyone is looking for the el chihauhau cheese they carry it at your local walmart, go to section where the cream cheese etc...its in a round wheel wrapped in clear plastic it reads el chihauhau supremo melting cheese.

[Eat_Nopal]

Note that there is a brand of cheese called Chihuahua that is just okay, mass produced stuff... not at all to be confused with the artisinal cheeses made in and around Chihuahua city & Cuauhtemoc city in Chihuahua state... that is like comparing a great, artisinal brie with the President brand stuff.

[SilverlakeGirl]

I am going to have to ask a real cheesemonger. I have not seen this in LA for a very long time. Perhaps the Beverly Hills Cheese Store or Silver Lake.

But I would never characterize it as a "melting cheese".

Did you check the country of origin? If it's not Chihuahua, MX, it's not real Chihuahua Mennonitas cheese.

[pepperjelly]

Here you go darlin' child. I had the same experience while living in Chicago, returning many times to a taqueria inside a little MiniMart for their queso fundido made with Chihuahua cheese. I, too, have been dreaming about it since then. I did extensive research and can't buy it locally in Portland, Oregon. You can get the Supremo Foods cheese (from Chicago) through Gourmet-Food.com via mail order but you'll want to save that for a special day because shipping is through the roof (about $16 + $5 for special cold packaging). If you place a large order, the price of shipping goes down but then you'll have a boatload of queso! A 14 oz. pkg is on sale now for $10.49. With shipping it turns out to be around $35. Be well and happy! http://www.gourmet-food.com/gourmet-c...

[kiwi]

Hi Pepperjelly!
I just couldn't take it any more, so I picked up and moved to Chicago JUST for the queso! ;}
OK, not JUST for the queso. But, I now live in Chicago and have easy access to Chihuahua cheese.
But, If I were still at home in LA, I couldn't imagine being able to justify that kind of shipping cost for Chihuahua cheese. What if people found out?! ;}

[MEXinFlorida]

After much nostalgia, my mouth waters thinking of my childhood days visiting Chihuahua and the Menonite cheeses...
Now in Florida, I'd pay for the round cheese to be mailed to me. Can't find it anywhere!
Funny this blog has been going on for so long!