By Alicia Burke

Sugar, Wisconsin AA butter, Belgian dark chocolate, roasted almonds... These pure, minimalist ingredients are what constitute the delectable Grandmother Reilly’s English Toffee, a confection made at Burke Candy in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood. The firm is headquartered at 3840 N. Fratney St., two blocks south of East Capitol Drive. 

Wholesome ingredients are not all that goes into this delightful, aromatic, melt-in-your-mouth toffee. Company co-owner Julia Burke clarified that "it is the science of candy making that makes all the difference." That and the pure love of the trade clearly sets this delicacy apart from the rest. 

The famous Grandmother Reilly was Julia Burke’s grandmother who lived in Shorewood, Wis., and made her toffee recipe for special occasions. Julia feels nostalgic every time she and Tim, her husband and partner in the business, make a batch of that famous toffee. Julia reflected, "She was my soulmate. I still miss her." Julia learned candy making directly from her grandmother.

Tim Burke comes from a long line of Burkes involved in the candy ingredient and chocolate business. Together, the couple formed Burke Candy 10 years ago, marrying the recipes from Julia’s family with the ingredients and business savvy of Tim’s family. So when Julia and Tim met through friends at a party in Chicago, it was a match made in candy heaven. They have been married for 23 years, with three youngsters to ensure that the family line of candymakers continues. All three kids have helped with the family firm over the years. Peter, 21, Catherine, 19, and Eddie, 16, have usually assisted at State Fair and other events where the company has a presence.

The secret to exquisite candymaking is simple, the Burkes asserted, especially by maintaining small batches not to exceed 11 pounds. Tim and Julia said that the quality and texture were lost if processing in larger quantities. It is also important to make the candy daily and maintain full involvement in the process. The Burkes manage their business onsite in a 6,000-square-foot plant, which has an charming, well-stocked, attached storefront. 

Visitors can view the process from the store, peering through the windows that face into the manufacturing area. This hands-on approach ensures quality control and provides insight and education, as well as fun, for their customers who enjoy watching. 

In addition to Grandmother Reilly’s English toffee, the Burkes’ other notable candies include flying turtles, BonBons, chocolate-covered pretzels, bark, and chocolate-covered almonds among other luscious varieties of munchies. Julia, a true truffle-lover, wanted to add them to their offerings. Subsequently, four years ago, she attended a real-life truffle school in Seattle, Wash. As a result, the Burkes’ new raspberry truffle will debut this fall. Julia is still fine-tuning the recipe and Tim is still taste-testing. 

Tim credited Julia with the innovations of Burke Candy, pointing out, "She started this as a home business and then we expanded [into the factory]." Their retail store has been open for approximately six years and anyone who walks in through the door to the shop will come away with more than just a candy purchase.

It is apparent that the husband-wife team enjoys what they do and want the customer to have that same satisfaction. Samples are abundant, and the Burkes watch their customers closely to anticipate impression of their creations. "The candy is very pure," said Tim about the quality. 

Several generations ago, Tim’s family came to the States from Galway and settled in Waukesha County to farm. The original homestead was at the intersections of what is now Interstate 94 and Highway 164. Julia’s Reilly ancestors are from Thomastown in Co. Kilkenny. With this heritage, it’s a natural that Milwaukee Irish Fest tops their entertainment list. 

When stepping into the small shop on a hot summer day, the store is filled with customers. Most are conversing with Julia and hand-picking their selections, which she wraps carefully in tissue and beautifully presents in a gift bag. It’s all part of the charm. 

Burke Candy is often the choice chocolate candy for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter and other events and celebrations, as well as for corporate gifts. Throughout the year, Julia and Tim bring out specialty molds and designs that set their presentation apart. In addition to a thriving walk-in business, the Burkes also prepare trays and bulk orders for weddings, graduations and similar functions when delectable candies are appreciated. Their website provides online commerce which results in a strong mail order business. They have 10 year-round employees. That number increases to 25 during fall through Christmas.

"Dark chocolate, for sure," Julia and Tim said confidently when asked about the latest trend in candymaking. Tim added with a smile, "And it is good for you." The firms uses only the finest Belgian dark chocolate and top quality Wisconsin grade butter. Subsequently, the selection of candies made with this rich ingredient is extensive. Among them is a 72% dark chocolate bar that sells for $1.50. 

The majority of their candy sells for $16 per pound and their chocolate covered pretzels sell for $7 per pound. Customers can also purchase candymaking kits to see if they can match, or even approach, the tasty wonders of Burke Candy. Some of the candies are seasonal, such as their caramel, provided with sticks and instructions for all-time favorite caramel apples. 

"Aunts usually buy the candymaking kits for their nieces and nephews. It is a great way to do something together and get excellent candy!" said Julia about the candymaking experience, "We include all of the ingredients, including the sprinkles," she added. 

Burke Candy can be purchased directly from the family’s retail store, open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or online at www.burkecandy.com. In addition, their candies are available at Sendik’s on Downer Avenue and at the Sendik’s in Bayside on Brown Deer Road, as well as at Café 1505 in Mequon, Wis. 
 
 

Irish American Post writer Alicia Burke is no relation to the Burke family of candy company fame...although it would have been nice.