1039 W. Mountain View Dr. Mesa, AZ 85201US
Who is Carolina?
My Grandmother
CAROLINA MACIAS GARCIA WAS MY GRANDMOTHER. I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE HAD THE PRIVILEGE TO BE A PART OF HER LIFE FOR 30 YEARS. CAROLINA'S FAMILY TRAVELED HERE FROM SONORA, MEXICO WHEN SHE WAS 9 YEARS OLD. PONCHO VILLA RENEGADES WERE RAIDING THE AREA FOR SUPPLIES WHEN THEY ARRIVED AT THE MACIAS RANCHO. SYMPATHIZERS DIVULGED THE LOCATION OF THE HIDDEN SILVER SPOONS AND HORSE BITS TO THE BANDITS. MR. MACIAS SAW THAT IT WAS TIME TO GO. THUS BEGAN CAROLINA'S NEW LIFE IN THE UNITED STATES. SHE MET JESUS GARCIA IN TEMPE DURING THE PICKING SEASON, WAS COURTED, MARRIED, AND EVENTUALLY HAD 6 CHILDREN. SHE AND JESUS BUILT HOMES, RAISED THEIR FAMILY AND BECAME RESPECTED CITIZENS IN THEIR MESA COMMUNITY. CAROLINA WAS A LOVING, NURTURING, AND CREATIVE, MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER. SHE WAS A WONDER TO HER LAST DAY AT THE AGE OF 92.
My Experience with Carolina
Carolina was my mentor and influence in the kitchen, her flavors are expressed in my cooking every day. She is the reason I became a caterer and now a chocolatier. I've taken the flavors of my heritage and infused them into quality chocolate creating a silky and sultry heat like no other.
Carolina's Chocolate is in honor of her presence in my life, that is why she is on the label. The picture is from 1923, she is 22 years old. Jalisco Jalapeno is Jesus M. Garcia, my grandfather. He loved his green chili, hence the jalapeno in the %31 white chocolate. Smokey Joe is named after my dad, Joe Jaimes. His dark features were an easy fit to the smoky dark richness in chipotle chili.
Why Spicy Chocolate?
A pinch of chili and cinnamon in hot chocolate is as old as the Mayan and Aztec Cultures. Yet, I found none that caught my attention, so I decided to make it myself. The level of heat is based solely on my palate, and I make it as spicy as I like it. In order to create these remarkable flavors, high quality chocolate is used and is blended with a variety of chilis such as Chipotle, Cayenne, Jalapeno, and Ancho. These are the spices and flavors that are reminiscent of my memories in Carolina's kitchen. All spices are fresh from the Santa Cruz Spice Co. in Tomacocori, AZ. and from The Chili Guy in Bernalillo, New Mexico. Many find it surprisingly delicious. Many are fascinated by the combination of chocolate and chili.
I hope many of you venture to try and enjoy the essence of my Southwest heritage in Carolina's Chocolate.
Carolina's Chocolate Flavors
Spicy Sonoran is %64 cocoa, cinnamon and cayenne chili. The perfect cup of Mexican Hot chocolate in a bite.
Jalisco Jalapeno is %31 cocoa butter, cinnamon and Jalapeno. The silky smoothness blossoms into cinnamon, vanilla, cream and butter then ends in smoldering sweet heat of jalapeno. Remarkable.
Smokey Joe is %73 dark rich chocolate that envelopes the tongue then sweetens as the chili transforms the flavor to a heated smoky finish.
Salty Senorita is %64 of perfectly balanced chocolate and sea salt.
Holy Mole! darkest at %78 cocoa.
Ancho chili, spices, salt and pumpkin seeds. Savory and warm finish.
Las Abuelas is %73 of rich silky cocoa with Pasilla Negra chili. A deep raisin flavor with the mildest spicy finish.
Brand New to Carolina's Chocolate
Spicy Sonoran Almonds
Carolina's favorite flavor is wrapped around a crispy buttery almond. Cinnamon and Cayenne blend to a creamy heat that ends with a satisfying crunch, wow!
Shipping and Facts
IT'S HOT IN ARIZONA!
Shipping is available November - March for on-line orders.
SHippinG Season
Carolina's Chocolate on-line is now closed
Shop November through to March.
Chocolate Facts
Carolina's Chocolate is certified: Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Fair Trade, Sunflower Lecithin, Is produced in location where nuts are used Jalisco Jalapeno uses Dairy, the rest do not.
Demo Time is all the time
Look for me on Face Book for my next location. http//:Facebook/Carolinaschocolate.com
Who Are These People?
Since the begining the flavors have been inspired by the pictures. and the colors represent the color of the chili used in the recipe.
The Garcia Family
The Garcia Family Left to right, Jesus Jr. Delia (my mother), Ray, Ruben, Rudy and Carlos.
Holy Mole! What a great bunch of characters.
Apolinar and Apolonia
Las Abuelas are My Great great grandmother Apolinar (L) my Great-grandmother Apolonia (R) My Great-great grandmother is celebrating her 105th birthday. President J. F. Kennedy sent her a card of congratulations in 1963.
MY DEAR COUSINS
I couldn't do this without help. Elena, Adeline and Bonnie are just a few that have pitched in when I have needed a hand.
Flavors of Heritage
Latest News
Carolina's Chocolate @ CPI
The Chili Pepper Institute located at New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, is carrying Carolina's Chocolate. The institute is the epicenter of preservation, education, and development of Capsicum. I am humbled
Fabulous Suggestions
Splendid recommendation:
1. Add Carolina's to your cheese board
2. Add Carolina's to brownie mix
3. Drizzle it over ice cream
4. Melt Carolina's in your frosting
5. Drag pretzels through melted Carolina's
6. Add a big chip to coffee gelato, hot coffee or hot chocolate
7. Southwest S'mores
8. Spicy chocolate chip cookies
9. Dip strawberries in Carolina's
10. Add to braised short ribs and favorite Mole sauces
Carolina's Chocolate Fabulous Wine Pairings and More:
Any favorite fruit filled reds make for a wonderful experience.
Las Abuelas has a deep raisin rift at the end, great with a Pinot Noir to a Port.
Holy Mole' has really become the dark chocolate favorite for pairing Merlot, Syrah, Tempranillo,
or a Mezcal, Wow! it's awesome.
Spicy Sonoran: Zinfandel, Black Chook Sparkling Shiraz, Try a Syrah, fruity old vine Zin or blend
Jalisco Jalapeno: Pair this creamy vanilla chocolate with Prosecco, a fruity peachy finish. Gewurtzemier. Or, an Anejo Tequilla
Smokey Joe: The deep rich chocolate and smoky heat blend beautifully with Cabernet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bourbon or Scotch.
How about a beer? Yes! A chip of Spicy Sonoran or Smokey Joe with a Stout or Porter enhances the caramel and undertones of the beer. Try a Lindermans Framboise with the two dark chocolates, lovely.
