As we approach October—and, of course, Halloween—our thoughts inevitably turn to sweet treats. Sabrina Johnston of Charlie Girl Goods in beautiful Deep Cove, North Vancouver, B.C., makes old-fashioned caramel from scratch from natural ingredients in small batches and unique flavours. We chatted with Sabrina to find out exactly what sourcery she uses to make her mouthwatering candies—it must be a powerful magic, because it’s impossible to eat just one! —Vita Daily
Hi Sabrina! Please tell us a bit about yourself to start.
Hi! I am the owner of Charlie Girl Goods, which is a small business based out of beautiful Deep Cove in North Vancouver. I was born and raised in Vancouver and spent most of my school years growing up on the North Shore. When I’m not making caramels or experimenting with new flavours you can find me gardening, baking or cooking, spending time with friends and family, antiquing or planning our next family vacation.
When, how and why did you get into the “sweets” business?
From as young as I can remember I have always adored all things sugary sweet. I have always loved baking, whether it be for friends, family or for special events, so creating deliciously sweet treats has been a passion of mine for a long time. A few years ago I started making these golden chewy caramels to include in my holiday sweets tin that I give to friends and family and the response was amazing! That’s when I knew that I had to share the caramel love with all of you.
Charlie Girl Goods: any special meaning behind the name?
There sure is. It’s in honour of our seven-year-old daughter Charlotte. She is the apple of our eye and my best friend. Charlie is the male version of Charlotte, so it’s a sweet little play on her name and that’s who you see on our packaging. She loves to remind me (quite regularly) that she is the Head Taste Tester (which is true) because she IS Charlie Girl!
What products do you currently offer?
We offer old-fashioned caramels in various flavours and different packaging options to choose from depending on if it’s a treat for yourself, a special gift for some one or for special event celebrations.
What makes your caramels special?
Our old-fashioned caramels are locally handmade from scratch using all-natural ingredients with a focus on the small-batch process. They are amazing and we know that once you try them you won’t be able to eat just one!
Do you change your flavours up seasonally?
Yes absolutely, we are always experimenting with new flavour profiles and we usually have several limited-time seasonal flavours available. For fall we have just announced our two new seasonal flavours, which are Pumpkin Spice and Apple Cider. And we will be announcing very soon on Instagram our two seasonal flavours that we will be featuring this winter!
Where do we find them?
For a full range of our mouthwatering caramel flavours you can purchase them any time on our online shop. You can also visit our stockist page for a list of stores that carry our product or follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on local markets that we are participating in.
If you were stuck on a desert (dessert?!) island, what one sweet thing would you not be able to live without?!
I’d definitely prefer to be on a dessert island … hmm that’s tough because I love all things sweet but if I had to choose it would definitely be something chewy or gummy. Whether it’s gummy bears, caramels, wine gums or sour keys.
https://charliegirlgoods.square.site/
Win! A Charlie Girl Goods Prize Pack!
We have a winner! Congratulations Laurie A. of Vancouver, B.C., who will receive a Charlie Girl Goods prize pack with five bags of caramels in different flavours, including the newest, Pumpkin Spice!
September 25th, 2020 at 4:43 pm
Irish Cream Liquor and Coffee Caramel Chews is great for @amfriesen1
September 25th, 2020 at 9:52 pm
Vanilla Stout and Passion Fruit @shawna_lawna
September 26th, 2020 at 1:18 am
Honey Lavender Caramel chews for @Dillintosh
September 26th, 2020 at 1:27 pm
I’d love to try the Classic Sea Salted. @tabb7_1972
September 26th, 2020 at 6:53 pm
Would love to try the Irish Cream Liquor and Coffee Caramel Chews!
@heartsinparadise
October 1st, 2020 at 9:54 am
Irish cream liquor and Honey lavender caramel chews.
Instagram: @liezl_cudal_tan