Carolina´s Chocolate - Spicy Mexican Chocolate

Who is Carolina

Carolina Macias García 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 Jesús García in Tempe during the picking season, was courted, married, and eventually had 6 children. She and Jesús 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 our wonder until her last day at the age of 92.

My Experience with Carolina

I was 6 weeks when life began with Carolina. Mother went back to work, and I was left with the most wonderful grandparents. Days of cooking extraordinary flavors, learning to sew, crochet, and garden, Carolina was my world. Spanish was the language of the house, and Mexican music was the rhythm.
My attachment was such that my mother would come to get me explaining that my father wanted to see me, it had been weeks. It was suggested I go to day care for socialization with my peers. Unfortunately, they served me a bowl of chicken noodle soup. Where was the tomato, the onion, the chili! I was not about to cooperate; I never went back.
It wasn’t until culinary school that I was asked what influenced my love of cooking?
Without hesitation it was Carolina. She 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.

Jalapeño - Carolina´s Chocolate ingredient

Why Spicy Chocolate?

A pinch of chili and cinnamon in hot chocolate is as old as the Mayan and Aztec Cultures. Yet, I´ve found none that caught my attention, so I´ve 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, Jalapeño, 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 and 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.

Who Are the Flavors

Spicy Sonoran

A pinch of chile and cinnamon in hot chocolate is as old as the Mayan and Aztecs cultures. I took the flavors reminiscent of my heritage and my grandmother’s cooking to create a silky and sultry heat like no other. It reminds me of Christmas at Nana’s. In honor of my grandmother, Carolina is featured on this box; she is my Mexico.

Jalisco Jalapeño

The distinguished gentleman, representing Jalisco Jalapeño is my grandfather, Jesus Miranda Garcia. He was originally from Zacatecas, Mexico, a neighboring state of Jalisco. I was a great fan of my grandfather. He loved his fresh green salsa, which was served at lunch daily. He would slide the bowl my way and watch as I carefully added a spoonful to my plate. I was 5.

Smokey Joe

The good-looking sailor is my dad. Joe Subia Jaimes, who was born in San Angelo, Texas. I felt his smoldering dark features would express the depth of heat and the smokiness of the Chipotle Chile in Carolina’s Smokey Joe. Smokey Joe is my favorite.

Salty Señorita

My grandmother Carolina, was the epitome of kindness and caring; a nurturing mother and grandmother. Her creative capabilities were innumerable. Though considered reserved, almost shy, in her demeanor, I saw a twinkle in her eye and the enjoyment she got from a salty good joke.

Holy Mole!

Holy Mole! look at all of those kids featured in this photo. The Garcia Family consisted of six kids; my mother, Delia, the oldest, and her five brothers, Jesus Jr., Carols, Rudy, Ray, and Ruben

A genuine band of characters.

Las Abuelas

Las Abuelas are my Great, Great Grandmother Apolinar Bermudez Miranda, and my Great Grandmother Apolonia Miranda Garcia. The picture featured was captured in 1963, is of Apolinar’s 105th birthday celebration. Th card she is holding is from President John F. Kennedy wishing her a Happy Birthday.

About Me

Lisa Caroline Jaimes-Toon

100% ARIZONAN
Born and raised in Mesa. Graduate of Mesa Schools, Go Warriors! Sun Devil Grad 84', Masters in Ed. NAU 92'. Junior High history teacher for 15 yrs.

NEW DIRECTION
Husband and two girls later, Lisa needs a new creative outlet. I head to Scottsdale Community College for an AA in Culinary. Loved it! Began Lisa's Catering and Cakes 2004. After catering parties, weddings, aniversaries and more, making hundreds of beautiful cakes and providing the personal service I am proud of, another 15 years go by.

ONE MORE CHAPTER
Around 2014 the idea of chocolate continues to get my attention. I create three chocolate recipes in 2015. No idea how to brand or name the candy, I come across a picture of my grandmother, my mentor, my inspiration. In 2016 I design the label, the brand and begin cold calling on possible vendors. 2017 AJ's Fine Foods calls, and so began my new journey in the world of chocolate.

Carolina’s Chocolate