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 everyday. 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.
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!
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.
Carolina's Chocolate Vendors
Found at all the following locations
AJ's Fine Foods All locations in Phoenix and Tucson www.ajsfinefoods.com
Arcadia Premium 5618 E Thomas Rd. Phx 85018 602-464-9000
Art House Centro 186 N. Meyer Ave. Tucson, AZ 85701 520-620-1725 www.oldtownartisans.com
Arizona Sonora Desert Museum 2021 N. Kinney Rd, Tucson AZ 85743
Basketbuttler.com Personalized gift baskets created with local and unique gifts.
Call Mark Ballis 520-275-4569. Tucson AZ.
Birdytell.com Beautiful gift baskets. Partnered with Phoenix Magazine's "Best of the Valley"
Local artisans.
Chili Pepper Institute 945 College Dr. Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003
chile.nmsu.edu 575-646-3028
Eddies Country Store 1753 E White Mountain Blvd. Pinetop, AZ 85935
Native Seeds 3061 N. Campbell Ave. Tucson, AZ 602-230-7015 www.nativeseeds.com
Ribbons & Bows Gifts A wonderful selection of gift baskets for every occasion, or custom made. (Gift Baskets), LLC Tucson 520-331-0880 www.rnbgifts.com
Santa Cruz Chili & Spice 1868 I-19 Frontage Rd, Tumacaccori, AZ 1 502 398 2591 www.santacruzchili.com
Sphinx Date Co. Palm and Pantry Providing the valley with premium dates and local artisan goods. Gift baskets shipped world wide. 3039 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale AZ 8251 800-482-3283 www.sphinxdateranch.com
The Artist's Kitchen Shop 313 SR179 Suite C11 Sedona, AZ 86336 928-862-4140
The Boutique 104 W. Main St. mesa, AZ 85201 480-818-3528
Tracy Dempsey Originals 1325 W. University Dr. Tempe, AZ 85281
602-376-9021 www.Tracydempseyoriginals.com
Tohono Chul Gardens. Galleries. Bistro 7366 N. Paseo Norte, Tucson, AZ 85704
520-742-6455 Tohonochul.org
Tops Liquors 403 W. University Dr. Tempe, AZ 480-967-5643 www.topsliquors.com
Tucson Botanical Garden 2150 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712 520-326-9686 www.tucsonbotanical.org
Tumacookery La Entrada de Tubac, suite N 102, Tubac , AZ 520-398-9497
tumacookery.com
United Nations Association Center 6242 E Speedway Blvd. Tucson, AZ 520-881-7060 www.unasatucson.org
Gift Baskets
Arcadia Premium
Locally-owned and operated craft beer and wine store offering a curated selection of American artisan cheese, charcuterie and other local goods, such as Carolina's Chocolate. Create a unique and personal gift basket for your event. 5618 E. Thomas Rd. Phx. 85018 Joel 602-464-9000
Birdytell.com
Birdytell makes it simple to gift a personalized, thoughtful gift. Their products are exclusively sourced from artisans, makers, bakers, florists, and crafts people. Joined with Phoenix Magazines Best of the Valley winners, Birdytell has all the best local products you need. Phx. Birdytell.com
Basket Butler
Basket Butler offers a great selection of custom gift baskets in the Tucson area. Each basket is put together by hand, with your special person in mind. Mark Ballis 4646 E. Ft. Lowell Rd, Tucson AZ 85712 520-275-4569 Basketbutler.com
Ribbons & Bows Gifts, rnbgifts.com
Custom gift design or select from the many suggested baskets for every occasion.
Call or text directly 520-331-0880 Tucson, AZ esales@rnbgifts.com sales@rnbgifts.com
Sphinx Date Co. Palm and Pantry, sphinxdateranch.com
Serving Arizona for 50 years with local dates, jams, nuts, sauces, and so much more. Beautifully packaged for a special presentation. Find the best of Arizona there.
Be sure to ask for Carolina's Chocolate in every giftbasket.
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.
Carolina's Chocolate
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 coffe 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.
Spicy Sonoran: Oak Ridge Zinfandel AV Reserve Lodi, Black Chook Sparkling Shiraz, Senorio de Nava Crianza, Spanish. Try a Syrah, fruity old vine Zin or blend
Jalisco Jalapeno: Pair this creamy vanilla chocolate with Prosecco, Champagne, and
citrusy Rose
Smokey Joe: The deep rich chocolate and smokey heat blend beautifully with Spanish
Rioja, Italian Chianti, bold red blends, Cabernet or Cabernet Sauvignon, my favorites.
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.
Best Of Phoenix 2019
What a surprise!
Phoenix Magazine August, 2019
Best of the Valley
Fabulously Intriguing
Quality chocolate with the most intersting combinations of chili and spice.
Each flavor unique and delicious, finishing with a sultry warmth that lingers after it has melted away.
Pick some up near you today
Go to listed Vendors above to find your favorite flavor
Thank You! Tucson H & G /Lifestyle Magazine September 2019
Carolina's Chocolate is Heating Up!
Be sure to Friend Carolina's Chocolate on Face Book for the many holiday events starting this October in both Phoenix and Tucson. Carolina's Chocolate is on the road, check out our calendar for an event near you soon. Can't make it? The online market opens in November, mark your calendars now. Thank you!
Publications
Phoenix H&G Magazine, May 2019
Phoenix H&G Magazine, May 2019
Phoenix H&G Magazine, May 2019
State Fare
Explores Arizona's community of artisan makers, bakers, butchers and everything in between.
Sonoran Charcuterie Experience
Phoenix H&G Magazine, May 2019
Phoenix H&G Magazine, May 2019
Building your masterpiece is half the fun.
Add Carolina's Chocolate
Add Carolina's Chocolate
Add Carolina's Chocolate
Wine, cheese and chocolate are the keys to a lovely experience, choose local and make it memorable.
Add Carolina's Chocolate
Add Carolina's Chocolate