The Idea:
Create your own versions of gourmet jams, salsa, chutneys and other gift food items to sell.
How it Works:
People love trying new creative mixtures of jams, salsas and chutneys, and homemade versions are even more in demand. If you're good at mixing together fruits and spices, this may be a good gig for you to try. Particularly in demand are regional specialties (products made with Washington apples or Georgia peaches are examples), spicy versions of popular items (pepper berry jams), and products made with unusual ingredients (wine jams.) Specialty gourmet foods sell well in boutique stores as well as at places like farmer's markets.
How Much Can You Make:
This can be a lucrative part-time pursuit or a full-time business bringing in $50-80,000 per year, depending on the popularity of your items and how well you market your wares.
More Information:
The book From Kitchen to Market: Selling Your Gourmet Food Specialty (Sell Your Specialty Food: Market, Distribute & Profit from Your Kitchen Creation)