Roasted roots with vincotto, cavolo nero with sheep's milk cheese, roast pork with pomegranate molasses - unusual ingredients are easy to find

I thoroughly enjoy seeking out those ingredients that are not on every supermarket shelf – the lesser-known fruits, vegetables and store-cupboard seasonings that have yet to become mainstream.

Most of the sweetness in this recipe comes from the bananas and dark chocolate chips, and it needs very little butter, as it uses milk instead.

This is wonderful spread over a slice of rye bread or as a dip, and it is full of goodies.

It's no ugly duckling, but the Swan could do with perking up its dishes – and sticking to its menu

Southrop, Lechlade, Gloucestershire (01367 850 205). Meal for two, including wine and service, £110

I went to the Swan at Southrop following the luscious promise of one item on the online menu. From this I can firmly say: never invest all your dining happiness in a single plate of food. No good can come from it. Mind you, that one dish did sound like a corker. It was a whole vacherin cheese, baked in the oven and served – for two – with roasted garlic and Melba toast.