Days of Jay - Good Mood Food, Recipes and More!

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!

Recipes By Main Ingredient

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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.

Quarkbällchen German Donut Holes title card.

Super Fluffy Donut Holes (Quarkbällchen)

Super light and fluffy on the inside and crisp and sugary on the outside, my German-style Donut holes or Quarkbällchen recipe is so easy it’s like kitchen magic. Made without yeast, they are ready in minutes. Perfect for parties or sharing with friends (or just eating all to yourself!)

Sticky Orange Chicken Drumsticks

Gloriously golden and smothered in a tangy and spicy marmalade sauce, my Sticky Orange Chicken Drumsticks are seriously finger-lickin’ good! Serve with fluffy rice and green beans for a tasty and satisfying meal for the whole family.

Turkey Stroganoff

Turkey Stroganoff is a wonderfully quick and easy dinner and always a crowd-pleaser. With a delicious creamy mushroom sauce and plenty of pasta and green beans, this lighter take on stroganoff can be made with fresh or leftover turkey.

Baked Teriyaki Glazed Salmon

With juicy, tender salmon fillets smothered in an utterly irresistible homemade teriyaki sauce, my easy Teriyaki Salmon recipe is a weeknight wonder. Packed with flavour and goodness, this is a meal the whole family will enjoy.

Classic German Cheesecake käsekuchen with fresh fruit

Käsekuchen – German Cheesecake

Perfectly tangy, light and fluffy, a traditional German cheesecake or ‘Käsekuchen’ is a true baker’s delight. My tried and tested recipe works every time and is ideal for serving with coffee or as a dessert.

Looking for Dinner Inspiration?

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

Packed with roasted peppers, tangy feta, fresh herbs and chewy orzo, this bright and beautiful pasta salad is a summer favourite. Orzo and Roast Pepper Salad gets better as the days go by, so make a big batch to take you through the week!

Full of punchy, invigorating flavours and loads of fresh veg, Ginger Beef Stir Fry is made in minutes and tastes incredible. Get all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking and you’ll have dinner ready in a flash.

Recipes By Meal Type

My FAvourite German Cake Recipes

While people often associate Germany with pretzels and beer, it’s really all about coffee and cake!

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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

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.

Panko Coconut Fried Shrimp on a plate with salad and lime wedges.

Coconut Panko Fried Shrimp

Coconut Panko Fried Shrimp (or prawns!) is such a gloriously summery dish and makes a quick and easy starter or light lunch.

Easy Thai Beef Salad

The ULTIMATE salad! My easy Thai Beef Salad recipe is packed with flavour. With juicy beef steak, fresh vegetables & fragrant herbs, the sweet & spicy Thai dressing is the secret ingredient in this mouthwatering dish.

Slow Roasted Tomato Sauce

Roasting the tomatoes for Slow Roasted Tomato Sauce intensifies their delicious, summery flavour. Make up a big batch when tomatoes are at their best and you’ll have a taste of summer all year round.

Turkish Bulgur Salad (Kısır)

Hearty, delicious and filling, Turkish Bulgur Salad or Kısır is a terrific meal all year round. It is the perfect accompaniment to grilled and barbecued meat or as part of a Turkish or Cypriot inspired feast!

Summer Roast Vegetable Salad

Full of beautiful colour, Summer Roast Vegetable Salad is delicious as a meal by itself or for an outdoor barbecue. Make a big batch as it keeps for days!

Apricots Poached in Rosé Wine

Gently cooked in rosé wine, scented with vanilla, served with a big scoop of ice cream and some buttery homemade shortbread cookies, my Rosé Vanilla Poached Apricots are truly heavenly.

Warm Potato Salad with Roasted Salmon

I love potato salad in all its forms, but this has to be one of my favourites. My Warm Potato Salad with Roasted Salmon is so simple. It’s the perfect midweek meal with fresh herbs, capers, and a lemon dressing. Yum!

Spicy Red Pepper Jelly (Without Added Pectin)

Sweet, tangy and delicious, Spicy Red Pepper Jelly (No Added Pectin) is the perfect condiment to serve with cream cheese and crackers. With free printable labels!

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.

Iced Coffee Panna Cotta

Cool, creamy and with a wake-up kick, Iced Coffee Panna Cotta are a fantastic sweet to serve after a heavy meal. Prepare the night before for a no stress dessert!

Welcome

Hi, I'm Jay!