Michele Kinnon 
Panela vs Queso Fresco How to Use Panela Cheese and Queso Fresco in Your Cuisine Cheese is one of the most popular food items in modern Mexican cuisine. Despite the fact that cheese and cheesemaking techniques were introduced to Mexico just over 500 years ago, it now seems inconceivable to imagine a Mexican kitchen without … Read more
How to Use Panela Cheese Panela is a fresh, mild cheese that is great on salads and sandwiches. However, it is most famously known as a cheese that can stand up to high heat. Panela cheese can be grilled, baked or fried without losing its shape. It will become soft and browned but will not … Read more
How to Use Oaxaca Cheese Here are some great ways to use Oaxaca cheese, including some of our favorite recipes. What is Oaxaca Cheese? Oaxaca (pronounced wuh·HAA·kah) is one of the most popular cheeses in Mexico and originates from the state of Oaxaca in the southeastern part of the country. In this region, it is … Read more
How to Use Cotija Cheese What is Cotija Cheese? Cotija is a firm, white flavorful cheese that originated in the town of Cotija de la Paz in the State of Michoacan some 400 years ago. Cotija cheese is traditionally made from raw cow’s milk but today, pasteurized versions of this cheese are easy to find. … Read more
It is nearly impossible to imagine the Mexican cuisine we know and love without Mexican cheese as a vital component. Enchiladas, chiles rellenos, chilaquiles, quesadillas and esquites….what would they be without cheese? Would these ubiquitous dishes even exist on the modern Mexican menus of today without the introduction of cheesemaking to Mexico? While cheese seems … Read more
Can I Eat Cotija Cheese While Pregnant? Cotija cheese can be “fresh” or aged (Cotija Añejo). As long as fresh Cotija cheese has been made with pasteurized milk, it is considered safe to eat when pregnant. The latter, Cotija Añejo, falls into the category of Mexico’s “hard” cheeses and is generally considered to be safe … Read more
Can I Eat Queso Blanco While Pregnant? Queso Blanco, one of the many delicious fresh cheeses commonly used in Mexican cuisine is safe to eat during pregnancy but only if you are 100% sure it has been pasteurized and packaged in sanitary conditions. Officials from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warn that if … Read more
Can I Eat Panela Cheese While Pregnant? Panela cheese falls under the category of fresh cheeses and therefore should only be eaten if it has been made with pasteurized milk. According to the CDC, to lower the risk of contracting Listeriosis, pregnant women should avoid eating fresh or soft cheeses, such as Panela. The high … Read more
Can I Eat Queso Fresco While Pregnant? According to the CDC, pregnant women should avoid eating soft cheeses, such as queso fresco, while pregnant, unless they are made with pasteurized milk. This will lower the risk of getting Listeriosis. The high moisture and lower salt content in these cheeses create a potential breeding ground for … Read more
Can I Eat Oaxaca Cheese While Pregnant? To lower the risk of Listeriosis, pregnant women should not eat certain cheeses unless they are made with pasteurized milk. Most Oaxaca cheese is made from pasteurized milk and is therefore considered safe for women to eat while pregnant. What is Listeriosis? Listeriosis is a serious foodborne illness … Read more