American

Just a little patience will reward you with a rich and creamy cheesecake you can easily make at home

The ultimate in barbecue food, sticky ribs always go down well at a party. Serve with some griddled corn and plenty of napkins! Any leftover barbecue sauce is also great with burgers and chicken.

An American classic, shortcakes are similar to British scones but with a much flakier texture, enriched by the addition of milk, double cream or sometimes soured cream. Piled high with whipped cream and syrupy strawberries, they are part of the American fabric of life. Served slightly warm fresh from the oven, you’ll soon see why

This American-style (mildly) spicy cheddar cornbread is a quick and easy side that’s perfect served with soup, chilli con carne, fried chicken or even just for mopping up sauce

Red beans are traditionally served on Monday nights, after the beans were set to soak overnight on Sunday, and they could bubble away while chores and laundry were being done during the day. Combining two Southern classics works perfectly here, where pork ribs also benefit from the low-and-slow approach. If you’re a baker, a loaf of buttery cornbread would be a great accompaniment.

It may seem like overkill, but a little single cream cuts through the sweet meringue. True soul food has never been about restraint

Invented during the second world war by Brooklyn bakery chain Ebinger’s in recognition of the mandatory blackouts to protect the naval yards, this is the darkest of dark chocolate cakes and completely moreish

A twist on the great American sandwich, these stuffed mushrooms make for an indulgent yet easy-to-prep starter or relaxed lunch

Studded with cookie-flecked chocolate and topped with chocolate sandwich cookies, these all-American treats are the ultimate in cookies-and-cream heaven