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

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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.


Lamingtons are made from squares of tender sponge cake dipped in chocolate and coconut.

Classic Australian Lamingtons

An Australian icon, Lamingtons are made from squares of tender sponge cake dipped in chocolate and coconut. These delicious tea-time treats have been popular for generations and are a guaranteed hit for afternoon tea or at your local fair.
Zigeuner Schnitzel or Gypsy Schnitzel on a plate served with french fries and a glass of beer

Zigeuner Schnitzel

One of the most popular schnitzel recipes in all of Germany! Zigeuner Schnitzel or Gypsy Schnitzel is a delicious combination of crumbed pork cutlets and a lightly spiced sauce made from tomatoes and fresh peppers.
A picture of Imam Bayildi, roast Turkish eggplants stuffed with tomatoes and onions in a white bowl

Imam Bayildi

Made from meltingly tender roasted eggplants, stuffed with a spicy tomato sauce and lashings of olive oil, İmam bayıldı or ‘the Imam fainted’ is one of the most famous of all Turkish dishes.
Buchteln German Sweet Dumplings filled with fresh cherries and served with vanilla sauce

Buchteln (German Sweet Dumplings)

Buchteln or German Sweet Dumplings are pillowy soft rolls made from a buttery yeast dough and filled with fresh fruit or jam. Sometimes known as Rohrnudeln, my Buchteln recipe is a family favourite. Serve these sweet yeast rolls with plenty of vanilla custard sauce. Yum!
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.

Looking for Dinner Inspiration?


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

Chilli Lime Fish Tacos
Garlic Herb Roast Pork
Herby Tomato Salsa Chicken Title Card.
Portobello Mushroom Burgers with salad and pickled red onions on a plate.
Tasty Chickpea Burgers

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.

Cherry Tomato and White Bean Salad in a bowl with wooden salad servers and a baguette.

Cherry Tomato and Bean Salad

My Cherry Tomato and Bean Salad is a simple and tasty recipe that you’ll want to make all summer long. Perfect as a light lunch or as an easy side dish for grilled meats.

One Pan Chicken and Orzo title card.

One Pan Chicken and Orzo

Bursting with fresh, Mediterranean flavours, my One Pan Chicken and Orzo recipe makes a delicious dinner all made in one pot. With juicy chicken thighs, tomatoes, olives, fresh herbs and orzo pasta, this is a feast the whole family will enjoy. This simple dinner is perfect for busy weeknights as there is less washing up!…

Panko Coconut Fried Shrimp on a plate with salad and lime wedges.

Coconut Panko Fried Shrimp

Coconut Panko Fried Shrimp (or prawns!) is such a gloriously summery dish and makes a quick and easy starter or light lunch.

Panzanella Tuscan Bread Salad

Panzanella – Tuscan Bread Salad

My Panzanella Bread Salad recipe, made with ripe tomatoes, basil, parmesan, and garlicky toasted bread is a summer winner. Make a big batch for your next outdoor lunch or picnic, this always disappears in a flash.

Italian Caprese Pasta Salad

Italian Caprese Pasta Salad

Yesterday, it rained properly for the first time in weeks, and today, we woke up to cool, misty weather. It wasn’t long, of course, before the sun burst through, but it was a little hint that my favourite season of all, autumn, is on the horizon. Don’t get me wrong, I love summer as much…

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.

Berry Chia Seed Jam

Berry Chia Seed Jam

Ever since I was a little boy I have been fascinated by jam making. It started with watching my grandmother, Nana Fay, making her legendary plum jam, one of the highlights of summer. Since then, I’ve cooked up just about every combination of jam flavours you can imagine and even had a market stall in…

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!

Buchteln German Sweet Dumplings filled with fresh cherries and served with vanilla sauce

Buchteln (German Sweet Dumplings)

Buchteln or German Sweet Dumplings are pillowy soft rolls made from a buttery yeast dough and filled with fresh fruit or jam. Sometimes known as Rohrnudeln, my Buchteln recipe is a family favourite. Serve these sweet yeast rolls with plenty of vanilla custard sauce. Yum!

Summer Roast Vegetable Salad

Summer Roast Vegetable Salad

Full of beautiful colour, Summer Roast Vegetable Salad is delicious as a meal by itself or for an outdoor barbecue. Make a big batch as it keeps for days!