A SPOONFUL of sugar and a larder full of jam jars filled with delicious chutneys, marmalades and festive flavours is proving the recipe for success for one Dorset produce maker.

What started out as a hobby for Tracey Collins, a former analyst in London, has become a full-time ‘job’ for the jam maker after she moved to Sturminster Newton.

From the comfort of her kitchen, a converted cow barn in rural Dorset, Tracey has shared her passion for red pepper and chilli, and jubbleberry jams.

Tracey said: “I started Ajar Of from my hobby of making jams, jellies and chutneys for family and friends.

“When planning our move to Dorset I decided to give up my job as an analyst in London and set up Ajar Of full time. We always wanted to give up the city and come live the good life.”

Tracey said: “My family were very supportive especially my husband, especially when I developed his favourite chutney made with aubergine. My son became a fan of my blueberry jam, my daughter loves the pasta sauces and the dark truffle chocolate spread.”

It’s her passion for the jarred preservatives and sauces that means each batch is lovingly homemade. Her unique recipes were recently recognised as the best in the county too after being awarded Best Food Product at the Dorset Magazine Food, Drink and Farming Awards this year.

Tracey said: “I think I am the most passionate about the ingredients in my products – the blueberries come from Puddletown and make great jam!

“My favourite chutney at the moment is my gooseberry and pink peppercorn chutney – the tartness of the gooseberry, heat from the peppercorns and ginger make the chutney an excellent combination with smoked fish and cheeses.”

But part of her success Tracey attributes to Dorset and a friendly market that supports local produce.

She said: “Dorset has been amazing. When we moved here and I realised everyone in Dorset makes preserves I was worried about the market, however I have found my niche and have a very loyal following both in customers and stockists.

“My secret to success is being passionate about food, flavours and my customers. I believe this comes through in my products.”

And asked if she could trade just one top tip to creating the perfect larder of preserves, Tracey said: “Never turn your back on a jam. It can boil over very quickly! And don’t be afraid to experiment.

“You can’t beat a piccalilli or a spiced beetroot chutney for the winter season, the colours and flavours warm you up.”

With pots and pans boiling away and brimming with sensuous smells of strawberries, it isn’t too shabby a way to spend the working day.

Tracey said: “My favourite part is all of it – developing the products, choosing flavours/produce, seeing people enjoy it, talking to customers. The hardest part is there just isn’t enough hours in the day!”

But that doesn’t seem to be stopping Tracey. She has empowered women across Dorset to come together and produce a charity calendar for the love of Dorset Food & Drink. The calendar highlights up-and-coming foodie females in Dorset making waves in the UK. Visit ajar-of.co.uk to find out more.