Store selling freeze

When does a Milk Dud become a MacDade? When it’s freeze dried!

That’s not a dad joke, it’s a food trend with a Delco flavor.

On Thursday, Chris and Katie Malenich, opened TAFF Treats, their freeze-dry candy store at 8 W. Brookhaven Road in Brookhaven.

Two years ago the couple got into the popular tween candy-making-trend as a hobby and now have four machines and are the first commercial kitchen in Delaware County creating the sweet.

What is freeze dried candy?

Chris Malenich took a moment to explain the concept, which is the rage of the internet. You take name-brand candy, such as Milk Duds, freeze it down to minus 20, suck out all the air and then over 10-12 hours it warms back to room temperature.

With that, Jolly Ranchers become Delco Puffs, Skittles become Schuylkills, Caramel M&M’s become MumMers and Milk Duds become McDades.

With the new name comes a different texture and flavor.

“It’s just different. It intensifies the flavor,” Chris said.

That difference is greatest when it comes to caramel candies that may stick to your teeth, Malenich said.

“Stuff that is chewy is crunchy, or lighter in texture and taste,” he explained. “This stuff will dissolve in your mouth. I don’t want to say it’s a lot easier on your teeth but it will melt in your mouth with a more intense flavor.”

The couple have been running a wholesale business out of their house but with two children, Regan, 5, and 8-month old Noah, plus their regular jobs, they said enough of that, and found a location for the business.

Katie is a middle school teacher at Springton Lake in Middletown while Chris is a content video editor for QVC and freelance video editor for the Philadelphia Eagles.

The two are enjoying the excitement that started as a hobby and has turned into a full-fledged business.

“It’s definitely been an adventure, I had no idea I’d be freeze drying candy in my future, but it’s been exciting and a good experience: something different,” said Katie Malenich.

She admitted gaining knowledge from her student’s preferences, which she called their “target demographic.”

“One time the students had pickled skittles — before freeze drying the candy it was coated in pickle brine — they didn’t know that they were skittles, and they didn’t like them,” Katie said. “Noted, my middle schoolers do not like pickled skittles.”

She said the students also helped her in picking the company mascot, “Huey the Hedgehog.”

Asked if a candy store could make it in the 21st century, Chris said they will continue to rely mainly on mail order and see what happens.

One person who stopped by to wish them well was state Sen. John Kane.

“This was near and dear to my heart. I remember growing up when we had the candy store as a kid: penny candy and stuff like that,” Kane said. “It always brings back good memories.”

Some of the young customers said the store will bring new memories.

“They’re pretty good,” said Sophia Schiff, who was trying them for the first time.

She came with her sister Isabella and her aunt from Delaware City to pick up a order.

“I think the M&M Carmel were very good,” said Carter George of Middletown, who was there with his mom and sister Morgan.

One teen described the Jawns (Nerds) as tasting like cotton candy.

“We want to grow, and we want to help others,” Chris said. “We hope to be able to serve our community by partnering with local organizations to help raise money and awareness for their missions.”

He noted one such partner, @Vincenttheconqueror.

Vincent is a 4-year-old Prospect Park boy who has been battling brain cancer since he was an infant and now is fighting lymphoma.

The candy can be found for sale on the internet but the couple hopes a brick-and-mortar store will allow folks to try they sweet and avoid shipping costs.

The TAFF candy is also available in six other Delaware County locations: Game on State in Media, Sugaree in Newtown Square and Wayne, Just Homemade in Aston, Jeanie Beans in Parkside and Oasis Fun Center in Glen Mills.

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