Oaxaca Cheese Tamales

About the producer

Alicia Villanueva was born in the city of Mazatlan, located in the Northeastern part of the Mexican republic and in the state of Sinaloa. She has been stuffing tamales since she was a kid, with her mami and her abuelita.

Alicia began working for her dream as early as 2001, when, arriving in this “beautiful and blessed country” she was impressed to find the many cultures represented in everyday life. Immediately, Alicia thought of tamales to connect her story to those of the people around her and to potentially make a living for her family. Alicia began selling tamales door-to-door, lovingly making up to 500 tamales in a single week. But even though it felt like a lot, it was barely enough to cover the bills. Now, Alicia makes over 4,500 tamales a week!

At home, Alicia and her husband, Pedro, her three children, Pedro Jr., Pablo, and Grecia, make tamales for the holidays and special occasions. Making tamales together means spending time with friends and family, sharing stories, and carrying on traditions.

When you eat one of Alicia’s tamales, she wants you to feel like a part of their family. She has worked hard to get to the point where she can share these tamales with you, and she hopes that you taste not only the flavor but also the love in every bite.