TAFF Treats, a new store in Brookhaven, is riding an internet trend making freeze-dried candy, but throwing in a bit of Delaware County into the mix, writes Pete Bannan for the Daily Times.

On Thursday, Aug. 10, Chris and Katie Malenich opened TAFF Treats, their freeze-dried candy store at 8 W. Brookhaven Road in Brookhaven.

It is the first commercial kitchen in Delaware County to create freeze-dried sweets.

The two got into the trendy candy-making as a hobby and now own four machines.

The idea is to take a name-brand candy such as Milk Duds, freeze it to minus 20, suck out the air, and warm it back to room temperature over the next 10 to 12 hours.

The process intensifies the flavor and changes the texture.

“Stuff that is chewy is crunchy or lighter in texture and taste,” Chris Malenich 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.”

Adding a Delco twist, their new freeze-dried version of Jolly Ranchers becomes Delco Puffs, Skittles become Schuylkills, Caramel M&Ms become MumMers, and Milk Duds become MacDades.

Find out more about TAFF Treats and its unique candy business in the Daily Times.