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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Sweet Autumn Fruit Chutney

My easy recipe for Sweet Autumn Fruit Chutney with figs, plums, and apples is so delicious. Lightly spiced, it is perfect served on a cheeseboard or with cold meats. With free printable labels!

Hasenpfeffer (German Rabbit Stew)

Nothing beats a rich and comforting stew when the weather turns cold outside. Hasenpfeffer, or German Rabbit Stew, is a deliciously flavoursome meal made from tender red wine marinated rabbit. Serve this traditional German dish with plenty of mashed potatoes and braised red cabbage. Guten Appetit!

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.

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.

White Wine Poached Pears

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

German Plum Streusel Cake

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

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.

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.

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.

Welcome

Hi, I'm Jay!