Delicious, easy recipes by Jay Wadams

Hi, I'm Jay!

I'm a cookbook author, food photographer and recipe developer.

Days of Jay is my website dedicated to sharing simple, tasty recipes for home cooking.

Jay Wadams - Cook, Author and Photographer. Owner daysofjay.com

My recipes are packed with photos and useful tips and tricks to help you as you cook. They are all inspired by healthy, seasonal ingredients and my travels across the globe, especially in Germany, Italy, Cyprus, and Australasia.

I am so excited to have you here, so let’s dive in and get cooking!


Fish Recipes
Pork Recipes
Chicken Recipes Category Page.
Lamb Recipes
Beef Recipes.
Vegetarian Recipes Category.

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The Latest Recipes From My Kitchen

Discover my latest and greatest recipes below, or use the search function to find exactly what you’re looking for.


Chicken lentil soup title card.

Chicken Lentil Soup

Hearty and nutritious, my Chicken Lentil Soup is a great big warm hug of a meal, perfect for chilly winter days. Loaded with lean meat, veg and pulses, a big pot of this comforting soup will feed the whole family and warm you up from the inside out.
Lemon Shortbread Cookies Title Card.

Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Crumbly, zesty and utterly delightful, my Lemon Shortbread Cookies are like a burst of sunshine on a winter’s day. These buttery cookies make the perfect gift for lemon lovers and are delicious alongside a cup of coffee or afternoon tea.
German Cinnamon Star Cookies zimtsterne.

Cinnamon Star Cookies (Zimtsterne)

The ultimate German Christmas cookie, Zimtsterne or Cinnamon Star Cookies are deliciously chewy morsels, topped with a crisp layer of snowy white meringue.
Homemade Spreadable Butter Title Card.

Homemade Spreadable Butter

Did you know it’s incredibly easy to make your own spreadable butter at home? With this clever recipe, you can have lovely soft butter directly out of the fridge all year round.
German Braised Red Cabbage title card.

German Braised Red Cabbage (Blaukraut)

No festive table in Germany would be without a big pot of braised red cabbage, flavoured with apple, cloves and juniper berries. Depending on where in the country you are, this could be called Rotkohl or Blaukraut and it is the perfect accompaniment to roast goose.

Looking for Dinner Inspiration?


Below are some of my most popular dinner recipes. Quick and easy with simple ingredients and big flavours.

Italian Pork and Fennel Ragu title card.

Recipes By Meal Type


light-bites
Main Event
Sweet Things
cocktail hour

Fresh and Easy Recipes for the Summer


When it’s hot and sunny, it’s the perfect time to embrace fresh and healthy eating. Below are some of my favourite simple and healthy recipes.

Homemade Tomato Relish Title Card.

Homemade Tomato Relish

A classic recipe for generations of New Zealanders and Australians, my summer wouldn’t be complete without Homemade Tomato Relish. Perfect for BBQs, sandwiches, cheeseboards and more, this delicious recipe is super simple.

Portobello Mushroom Burgers with salad and pickled red onions on a plate.

Portobello Mushroom Burgers

These veggie burgers are seriously tasty, with juicy portobello mushrooms filling in for meat patties. Packed with flavour, I’ve tested this recipe on the most committed meat eaters I know, and it is a real winner.

Red Currant Crumble Cake

Red Currant Crumble Cake

A delicious combination of tangy summer red currants and buttery, crumbly streusel. This classic German Red Currant Crumble Cake is perfect for serving with a cup of strong coffee.

Greek Lamb Salad with roasted Potatoes title card.

Greek Lamb Salad with Roasted Potatoes

With juicy garlic and rosemary lamb, a classic Greek-style salad, golden roasted potatoes, and a side of tzatziki, my Greek Lamb Salad with Roasted Potatoes is the perfect quick, easy, and healthy weeknight dinner. Big flavours, little effort, win!

Shrimp, Watermelon and Feta Salad

Shrimp, Watermelon and Feta Salad is a glorious mixture of textures and tastes, with cool watermelon perfectly pairing with garlicky shrimp, salty feta cheese and a pop of chilli. This simple recipe is summer on a plate!

Aperol Spritz jellies in glasses with orange slice garnish.

Aperol Spritz Jellies with Prosecco and Orange

Turn the iconic Aperol Spritz into a make-ahead summer dessert. These sparkling jellies are sweet, citrusy, and unapologetically grown up – the perfect summer party treat, with a touch of la Dolce Vita!

A picture of Imam Bayildi, roast Turkish eggplants stuffed with tomatoes and onions in a white bowl

Imam Bayildi

Made from meltingly tender roasted eggplants, stuffed with a spicy tomato sauce and lashings of olive oil, İmam bayıldı or ‘the Imam fainted’ is one of the most famous of all Turkish dishes.

Steak and Salsa Salad

Spicy Steak and Salsa Salad

If you are looking for big, punchy flavours then Steak and Salsa Salad is the recipe for you. Smoky grilled steak with a vibrant salsa and a zesty lime and coriander dressing. Perfect for summer barbecues or a weeknight dinner at home.

Panzanella Tuscan Bread Salad

Panzanella – Tuscan Bread Salad

This delicious recipe for Panzanella Tuscan Bread Salad comes from my Aunt Peggi and it is a glorious summery meal. With ripe tomatoes, salty cheese and fresh basil, it’s perfect for a summer BBQ.

Tomato and Rosemary Focaccia

Tomato and Rosemary Focaccia

Focaccia is fantastically easy to make, even if you have never made bread before and infinitely variable. Tomato and Rosemary Focaccia is a summer classic.

No cook refrigerator pickles Made with a simple brine, and a combination of cucumber, shallots and red pepper

No Cook Refrigerator Pickles

Sweet, crunchy and with a hint of spice, No Cook Refrigerator Pickles are brilliant in sandwiches, with cold meats or just for snacking on. My simple recipe is so quick and easy to put together and is easily adjusted to suit your tastes.