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!


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

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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.


Homemade Bavarian Pretzels Title Card.

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.
German style Gingerbread hearts

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

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

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.

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.

Looking for Dinner Inspiration?


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

Feta and Pesto Stuffed Chicken
Pork San Choy Bow Title Card.
Pork tenderloin with pineapple salsa and basmati rice with fresh lime. Title Card.
Cashew Chicken Stir fry with bell peppers and basil.
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.

Shrimp, Watermelon and Feta Salad

Shrimp, Watermelon and Feta Salad is a glorious mixture of textures and tastes, with cool watermelon perfectly pairing with garlicky shrimp, salty feta cheese and a pop of chilli. This simple recipe is summer on a plate!

Obaztda is a delicious Bavarian Beer and Cheese Spread, perfect for picnics, the beer garden, or for lining your stomach before you start on that litre of beer - and it is super easy to make at home!

Obatzda (Bavarian Beer and Cheese Dip)

Obaztda is a delicious Bavarian Beer and Cheese Spread, perfect for picnics, the beer garden, or for lining your stomach before you start on that litre of beer – and it is super easy to make at home!

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!

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!

Italian Beef Cannelloni Recipe

Beef Cannelloni

Fresh pasta tubes filled with a rich Bolognese ragu and smothered in creamy Bechamel sauce? We must be talking about Beef Cannelloni. Sometimes known as Manicotti, this traditional Italian recipe is a delicious crowd pleaser that the whole family are guaranteed to enjoy.

Prawn and Lemon Linguine

Prawn and Lemon Linguine

Prawn and Lemon Linguine is a delicious combination of prawns or shrimps, lemons, garlic and pasta – bursting with Italian flavour!

Panzanella Tuscan Bread Salad

Panzanella – Tuscan Bread Salad

This delicious recipe for Panzanella Tuscan Bread Salad comes from my Aunt Peggi and it is a glorious summery meal. With ripe tomatoes, salty cheese and fresh basil, it’s perfect for a summer BBQ.

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.

Apricot Puff Pastry Braid.

Apricot Puff Pastry Braid

Whenever I need a sweet or dessert in a hurry, I always make a Puff Pastry Braid. The combination of flaky puff pastry, juicy apricots and sweetened cream cheese is always a winner, and only takes minutes to prepare.