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!


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

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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.


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!
Cinnamon Star Bread Title Card showing star bread from two angles. Text overly 'Sweet Cinnamon Star Bread'.

Cinnamon Star Bread

One of my favourite Christmas bakes is Cinnamon Star Bread. With the delicious flavour of cinnamon rolls, this sweet bread recipe makes a beautiful loaf to feed a crowd. It is also actually much simpler than it looks, relying on clever cutting and twisting of the layers of dough to achieve the beautiful design.
German Sauerbraten recipe card.

Real German Sauerbraten

One of the most delicious and traditional ways to serve beef roast, my authentic German Sauerbraten recipe is made from beef that has been marinated in wine, vinegar and spices, then slow-roasted to fork-tender perfection. Serve with red cabbage and potato dumplings for a proper German feast!

New Zealand Louise Cake

Made from crumbly, buttery shortcake topped with a layer of tart berry jam and crispy coconut meringue. Louise cake is one of New Zealand’s favourite sweet treats!
Italian Pork and Fennel Ragu title card.

Italian Pork and Fennel Ragu

My classic Italian Pork and Fennel Ragu recipe is rich, flavoursome and truly delicious. Made in under half an hour it’s the perfect topping for fresh pappardelle.

Looking for Dinner Inspiration?


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

Spicy Chicken Burgers serves with homemade coleslaw and fresh corn
German Sauerbraten recipe card.
Mediterranean meatball skewers with mixed vegetables on a white plate
Zigeuner Schnitzel or Gypsy Schnitzel on a plate served with french fries and a glass of beer

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.

Quinoa and Lentil Salad with feta and fresh herbs.

Quinoa and Lentil Salad with Feta and Herbs

A fresh, flavour-packed salad of quinoa, lentils, herbs, cranberries, capers and feta, finished with a lemony yoghurt dressing and plenty of crunch. This quinoa and lentil salad is one of my favourites!

Sun Dried Tomato and Basil Chicken recipe

Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Chicken

Bursting with fabulous Mediterranean flavours, Sun-dried Tomato and Basil Chicken is the ideal one-pan meal. Quick to prepare and cook, maximum flavour, minimum effort. Dinner perfection.

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.

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!

A picture of a classic Italian Lasagne al forno served with fresh green salad and a glass of white wine

Lasagna al Forno

Quick and easy, my foolproof Lasagna al Forno recipe is great for feeding a crowd. With layers of rich bolognese sauce, creamy bechamel and pasta, this recipe is guaranteed to have them coming back for more.

Kiwi or Kiwifruit Granita in a glass dish with fresh kiwifruit

Kiwi Granita

Tangy, refreshing and bursting with kiwi fruit flavour, this simple recipe for Kiwi Granita requires only three ingredients: fresh kiwis, sugar and lemon juice. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a scoop of Greek yoghurt for a light and refreshing summer dessert.

Italian Roasted Peppes stuffed with tomatoes and goat's cheese served with rice

Italian Roasted Peppers

My Italian Roasted Peppers recipe is a simple and flavoursome dish full of all those summery flavours that we associate with la dolce vita; peppers, tomatoes, basil and lashings of good olive oil. Buon Appetito!

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!

Slow Roasted Tomato Sauce

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.