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

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

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

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

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

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.

How to Debone Chicken Thighs (with video!)

Knowing how to easily debone chicken thighs is a fantastic kitchen skill to have. The first time you try to debone chicken it can seem a little daunting, so below I’ve given step-by-step instructions as well as a video from two angles to show my simple method.

Speck and Artichoke Risotto

Risotto con carciofi e speck or Speck and Artichoke Risotto is one of the most delicious flavours of Italian risotto. Warm and comforting, this is a fabulous dish just by itself, or as a primi or first course of an Italian-inspired feast.

Homemade Chicken Banh Mi Vietnamese roll

Vietnamese Chicken Roll – Bánh Mì

From the laneways of Vietnam to Sydney’s inner west, there are few foods more satisfying than a Vietnamese Chicken Bánh Mì. They’re a true flavour explosion, packed with juicy, tender chicken, pickled vegetables, pâté, fresh herbs and lots of spice.

Whipped Feta and Honey

Smooth, salty and seriously tasty, Whipped Feta and Honey is the perfect dip to serve on a summer grazing platter with loads of grilled Mediterranean vegetables.

Tomato Burrata Caprese Salad

Bright, colourful and perfectly delicious Tomato Burrata Caprese Salad (Insalata Caprese) is the ultimate Italian summer salad with fresh green basil, creamy white burrata and juicy red tomatoes representing the colours of the Italian flag.

Rosé vanilla poached apricots served with cream, alongside a pot of poached apricots.

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.

Looking for Dinner Inspiration?

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

Zigeuner Schnitzel or Gypsy Schnitzel on a plate served with french fries and a glass of beer

Lemon and caper chicken piccata ingredients and plated dish.

Greek Lamb Shank in parchment paper with potatoes, olives, tomatoes and onions. Title card.

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

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.

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.

German Plum Streusel Cake

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

Fig and Honey Tart

Fig and Honey Tart with fresh figs and almond frangipane wrapped in buttery short pastry and drizzled with honey is the perfect sweet recipe for autumn or fall.

German Apple Strudel

With a tender, flaky crust, crisp apples, and rum-soaked raisins, my easy recipe for homemade apple strudel is sure to become one of your ‘favourite things’ too! Possible the most famous German dessert of all, strudel is perfect for fall baking with orchard fresh apples.

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.

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!

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 chicken, veg and pulses, a big pot of this comforting soup will feed the whole family and warm you up from the inside out.

White Wine Poached Pears

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

Creamy Chicken Pie

My Creamy Chicken Pie recipe with buttery pastry, a rich and tender chicken filling and creamy sauce makes a fantastic family meal. Make in advance and reheat for a super simple dinner. One of my favourite easy dinners, this is pure comfort food.

Welcome

Hi, I'm Jay!