Good cooking has always been a part of John Jones’s life. He was born in Hampton but, he said, “I grew up in Guinea.

These are our favourite recipes for delivering delicious American-inspired food at home, without sacrificing on flavour.

To make the cake, mix the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cocoa powder and caster sugar well in a large bowl. Whisk the eggs, syrup, oil and coconut cream in a jug to combine.

This delicious date and walnut cake is even better ... baking paper. Combine the butter, dates, boiling water and instant coffee granules in a large mixing bowl. Mix to combine and leave for ...