Rob and Keiko Feldman, co-owners of a Pasadena video production business catering to the legal profession, faced a quandary last year when it came time to send holiday cheer.

Because their clients are able to purchase just about anything the couple might give them, Rob, 43, and Keiko, 44, decided to go the personal route: They sent homemade caramel corn.

Keiko had made caramel corn for her family throughout the years, developing and perfecting recipes over time.

“I’ve always loved to bake,” she said. “If it’s sweet, I’ve enjoyed mastering the recipe.”

Their clients loved the treat, the couple reported.

“We’ve never gotten that type of response from a holiday gift. People wanted to know where they could buy more,” said Rob.

That led to “a lot of pounding the streets,” he said, in which they researched the most likely retailers for their product. They first sold in Monsieur Marcel, a gourmet shop at the Original Farmers Market in L.A.’s Fairfax District. Now, their Art of Caramel is sold in more than 30 stores across California and online as well. The Feldmans say they’ve sold $50,000 worth of the product since starting the business in June – they kept their day jobs at their company, Juris Productions – and are looking to expand further.

They offer three flavors: vanilla bean cocoa nib, orange cognac kiss and Kentucky bourbon black pepper. The orders are assembled in a commercial kitchen, sealed with the signature of its maker. The Feldmans spent months perfecting the packaging, a single glass canister or a wooden gift box, suitable as a corporate gift.

– Emily Hertlein