The holidays are a great time for chocolatiers — from October to the end of the year, businesses like Monsoon Chocolate shine in the sweets department. The local chocolate factory and cafe debuts limited-time holiday treats when December rolls around.
First up: Behold the almighty Peppermint Bark — layered with creamy white and dark chocolate that’s been sprinkled with crunchy peppermint pieces. Athene Kline, of Monsoon Chocolate, is especially excited about the giftable copper tin they’re offered in.
“We’ve been wanting to do this for a couple of years now, but it just never really came together,” she said. “But now we have it! So, this year we have two sizes — the pouch you’re familiar with and then the giftable copper tin that’s bigger. It’s about one and a half times bigger and it’s really nice. There’s plenty of peppermint bark in there to savor for months.”
Therefore, the Peppermint Bark is available now in two sizes: the nifty copper tin that screams the holidays and a snackable pouch that’s just as jolly, coming in clutch for whenever the cravings hit.
This time of year is a special time to visit the Cafe + Market at 3630 E. Fort Lowell Rd. because the team at Monsoon Chocolate also released its seasonal Hazelnuts Covered in Dark Chocolate. These have been an annual release for the past couple of years, and they don’t typically remain on the shelves for very long.
“They are these amazing hazelnuts from an Oregon grower called Freddy Guys,” said Kline. “Then they are panned in a hazelnut gianduia, which is chocolate and hazelnut butter mixture, and then they’re covered in dark chocolate and a little bit of salt.”
Also, equipment upgrades, like a larger panning machine, have made the chocolate-covered hazelnut process flow smoother — allowing the chocolatiers to keep up with the demand. The chocolate factory has leveled up, so to speak, making the holiday season a sweet success.
“The hazelnuts are in high demand when it starts to get chilly,” Kline added. “So, this batch, I feel, is the best yet because we keep upgrading equipment. We just got this huge panner — a cylindrical machine that rotates. You can put whatever you want to be covered in chocolate inside of it as it spins around. We’re able to make these huge batches!”
Also, bon bon alert!
Monsoon Chocolate just unveiled its new Holiday Bon Bon Collection which is inspired by “winter magic, memories of campfires, and dreams of desert snow.”
Keep in mind that the new holiday collection is very, very limited to just 500 boxes. Flavors include Eggnog White Chocolate, Peppermint Candy Meltaway, Marzipan & Orange Pâte de Fruit, and Mulled Cherry Dark Chocolate.
Holiday Shopping at the Cafe + Market
If you’ve yet to stop by the Cafe + Market location inside the Copenhagen Design Center — right on the corner of Fort Lowell Road and Dodge Boulevard — you’re in for a treat. With several colorful bon bons on display, warm coffees, hot chocolates to lift your spirits, and a selection of local products waiting to be sifted through, it’s a one-stop shop for the season.
“We’ve turned the market into a holiday gifting center — like pantry staples, but a little fancier,” said Kline. “We have brought in lots of products and items from different artisans and local makers, too, to highlight Tucson. The Cafe + Market is a great place to bring your family to and share treats, holiday pastries, hot chocolate, or ice cream — it’s always ice cream season in Tucson. We also brought back the vanilla bean marshmallows as an add-on for any hot beverage!”
The Cafe + Market currently has a few holiday specials as well, including new ice cream flavors, pastries, and holiday beverages.
“Our cafe manager, Brett, created this Chai, pear milk tea that’s really delicious,” said Kline, giddy in excitement for the holidays. “And then our pastry chef, Carol, has a bunch of ideas in mind for holiday treats!”
Check out Rita Connelly’s 2023 article, “A Chocolate Lover’s Paradise.”
Chocolate Factory Tours
With the holidays approaching quickly, you may likely have some family in town. What better way to keep them entertained than experiencing a chocolate factory tour?
They’re offering tours every Saturday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and another at 3 p.m. located at the Factory + Gift Shop location, 234 E. 22nd St.
“We explain where cocoa comes from and the whole process of turning cocoa beans into chocolate,” Kline added. “Then we have samples along the way before ending in the gift shop.”
Holiday Hours
With Monsoon Chocolate going into full-force mode during the holiday season, they’re expanding the hours at the Cafe + Market location. Throughout holiday season, the Fort Lowell Road shop will be open from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. beginning on Friday, December 13.
Whether you’re craving Peppermint Bark, chocolate-covered hazelnuts, or a cozy cup of hot cocoa, Monsoon Chocolate is the ultimate holiday destination for sweet indulgences. Stop by, take a tour, or simply soak in the festive spirit — and don’t forget to leave with something delicious to share (or not) this season.
Monsoon Chocolate Café + Market is located at 3630 E. Fort Lowell Rd. The original location can be found at 234 E. 22nd St. For more information, visit monsoonchocolate.com and follow Monsoon Chocolate on Instagram.
Tucson Foodie Insiders
Monsoon Chocolate is also a Restaurant Partner, meaning that Tucson Foodie Insiders can score $10 off your purchase four times a year.
For $20 a month, Insiders get a stack of cash vouchers to local restaurants worth over $5,000, free tasting events at local restaurants every month, access to members-only monthly dinner series with local chefs, discounts on events, and monthly mixers with other members. Learn more and join!
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
