sweet-things Archives — Days of Jay

No Churn Pomegranate Sorbet

31st July 202031st July 2020 Dessert, summer, sweet-things fruit

We are in the hottest part of the year, which means early starts getting work done around the house before we close up all the shutters to keep the heat out. It's the time of year in Italy when even a quick walk outside at midday is enough to leave

French Vanilla Custard Tart

23rd July 202023rd July 2020 sweet-things baking, custard, dessert, french, sweet, traditional

Shock, horror, and sacrebleu - I am almost ashamed to admit that I have never fallen under the magical spell of Paris. Despite visiting plenty of times, I have always found the ‘city of lights’ to be overrun with tourists, a victim of its popularity. That’s not to say that

Summer Berry Pavlova Slice

15th July 202024th July 2020 baking, Dessert, sweet-things baked, sweet, traditional

Pavlova will always be a Christmas dessert for me, the perfect sweet treat even when you are groaningly full of ham, turkey and all the other delights of the Christmas table. The trouble is, of course, that Christmas in New Zealand and Australia is high summer, when strawberries and other

Cherry Almond Frangipane Tart

11th July 202011th July 2020 baking, Dessert, French, sweet-things baked, cherries, sweet, traditional

We are bang in the middle of the European cherry season, with the street stalls and markets overflowing temptingly with mountains of gorgeous scarlet fruit. In America, you might instantly think of baking a cherry pie, but I think the French invented the perfect recipe for showing off the flavour

Rosé Vanilla Poached Apricots

16th June 202013th July 2020 cocktail-hour, Dessert, Preserves, summer, sweet-things easy, summer

It’s often said that apricots are a ‘kitchen fruit’ because, despite their beautiful speckled skin and orange glow, they can be disappointingly woolly and flavourless. However, the application of a little heat and sugar changes everything. Gently cooked in wine, scented with vanilla, served with a big scoop of ice

Viennese Coffee Panna Cotta

4th June 20209th June 2020 Chocolate, Dessert, Italian, sweet-things Austria, coffee, dessert, easy, Italy

If you’ve ever been to Vienna, you’ll know that the Austrians take coffee very seriously. Often grander than palaces, with sparkling chandeliers, acres of gleaming dark wood, and waiters in immaculate black tie, the famous Viennese coffee houses are time capsules of another era. Whether you step inside for a

Raspberry and Almond Friands

26th May 20203rd June 2020 baking, cakes, Dessert, New Zealand / Australia, sweet-things baking, berries, cafe, sweet

I have long been fascinated with the way recipes change and adapt as they make their way around the globe, each country putting their unique spin on the original. The café and coffee culture, once dominated by Europe, has been whole-heartedly embraced Down Under, though everything has been switched up

Walnut and Orange Blossom Baklava

22nd May 20208th July 2020 baking, Cypriot, Dessert, Pastry, sweet-things nuts, turkish

Tatlı yiyelim, tatlı konuşalım or ‘Let’s eat sweet and talk sweet’ has to be my favourite Turkish expression. It’s definitely the perfect way to describe having a slice or two of sticky, sweet, nutty Walnut and Orange Blossom Baklava with a strong Turkish coffee and a good gossip with friends.

Homemade Marshmallows

18th May 202010th July 2020 baking, Dessert, sweet-things confectionery, sweets

Believe it or not, I don’t have much of a sweet tooth. I love a slice of cake as much as the next person, but I am definitely a savoury kind of guy. I do, however, have a weakness for that ultimate childhood treat - marshmallows. Funnily enough, they’re not

Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake

15th May 20208th July 2020 baking, cakes, Chocolate, Dessert, sweet-things

Chocolate lovers rejoice! Today I am sharing the recipe for my ultimate Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake! This is a fabulous recipe if you are having people round for dinner. It's a real crowd-pleaser and everyone always seems to find room for a little slice - even if they were claiming