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

Assorted fish fillets on a platter, including smoked salmon. "FISH" text overlay.

Pork tenderloin with chimichurri sauce. "PORK" text overlay.

Raw beef cubes on a white plate. The image includes the text "BEEF".

Roasted lamb dish with potatoes and tomatoes. Text: LAMB.

Cakes & Bakes: Close-up of frosted cakes with sprinkles and a lit birthday candle.

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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.

Bavarian Pretzels (with and without Lye)

There’s nothing quite like a traditional Bavarian pretzel with a golden-brown, salt-studded crust and a chewy, perfect texture. My recipe for homemade pretzels with step-by-step instructions and photos is simple to make at home.

Gingerbread Hearts ‘Lebkuchenherzen’

My easy recipe for making traditional Oktoberfest Lebkuchenherzen or Gingerbread Hearts at home. Hang these brightly decorated hearts around the neck of your sweetheart (or eat and enjoy!)

Oktoberfest Roast Chicken

Oktoberfest Roast Chicken is a Bavarian classic recipe. The secret to tender, fall off the bone meat is to roast the chicken extra low and slow, or poach then roast. I’ve given two fool proof methods below.

Chicken and Chickpea Pilaf

Turkish Chicken & Chickpea Pilaf or Tavuklu Nohutlu Pilav, made from shredded barbecue chicken with rice and chickpeas is always filling and delicious. Especially when loaded up with juicy chicken and topped with spicy pickled peppers.

Mushrooms with creamy polenta. Text: Mushrooms with creamy polenta.

Mushroom Ragu with Creamy Polenta

Mushrooms with Creamy Polenta is autumn on a plate. This famous North Italian speciality is so warm and comforting, and so easy to make. I like to use a mixture of mushrooms for texture and flavour.

Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto

Pure comfort food, Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto or ‘Risotto alla Zucca’ is a classic of the Italian kitchen. The combination of creamy risotto rice with sweet roasted pumpkin and fragrant sage is a match made in foodie heaven.

Looking for Dinner Inspiration?

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

Tomato basil baked fish recipe, featuring a delicious dish with white fish, spicy tomato sauce, and fresh basil.

Spicy Chicken Burgers serves with homemade coleslaw and fresh corn

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

Light Bites: Asparagus and salmon appetizers on dark bread with cream cheese.

Main event: Stuffed bell peppers and poppy seed pastry, showcasing the main course.

Sweet Things: Fresh strawberries, raspberries, and rosé wine in a split image.

Summer cocktails: Mojito and wine for cocktail hour. Refreshing drinks!

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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Seasonal Recipes for Autumn

When the temperature drops, my oven goes on! Below you’ll find some of my favourite rib-sticking comfort food, perfect for Autumn or Fall.

White Wine Poached Pears

Tender and sweet, White Wine Poached Pears filled with creamy mascarpone are a light and fragrant dinner party dessert.

Classic Chicken Stew

Rich, filling, and supremely comforting, my Classic Chicken Stew is the perfect winter warmer. This recipe feeds four people easily and any leftovers are delicious the next day.

German Plum Streusel Cake

Plums pair beautifully with both cinnamon and ground almonds in this delicious German Plum Streusel Cake with cinnamon.

French Pot Roast Chicken

A heart-warming classic, French Pot Roast Chicken or ‘Poulet au Pot’ is a terrific recipe for beautifully juicy, tender chicken with flavoursome root vegetables and a rich gravy. As a bonus, it’s all cooked in one pot so less washing up!

Zwetschgendatschi plum tart, a Bavarian dessert, close-up showing plum arrangement and slice.

Zwetschgendatschi (Bavarian Plum Tart)

Zwetschgendatschi or Bavarian Plum Tart is a glorious late summer baked treat made from crumbly sweet pastry and a topping of juicy Zwetschgen Plums.

Pumpkin and Ginger Soup

With plenty of ginger and bright and zesty orange, silky Pumpkin and Ginger Soup is like a burst of sunshine in a bowl. A delicious recipe to keep you warm when it’s grey and cool outside.

Beef Shank Osso Buco

Meltingly tender beef in a rich and tomatoey sauce, slow-cooked Beef Shank Osso Buco is pure Italian comfort food. Served with a bright and zesty blood orange gremolata and plenty of mashed potatoes, this is the ultimate meal when the weather turns cool.

Chicken and Noodle Soup

The ultimate bowl of comfort, everybody should know how to make an easy Chicken and Noodle Soup. I use chicken wings to give the soup loads of body and flavour.

Spiced Hokkaido Pumpkin Soup

I love the thick and luscious texture of Spiced Hokkaido Pumpkin Soup. Teamed with warming spices and sprinkled with salty prosciutto and feta, this can be a meal in itself or the starter for a larger harvest feast.

Welcome

Hi, I'm Jay!