About Lisa LeCoump Lisa LeCoump is a food photographer, agricultural expert, and passionate home cook dedicated to sustainable agriculture and seasonal, science-based cooking. Her blog brings together more than two decades of experience in both crop science and culinary creativity, helping home cooks gain confidence through flexible, master-based recipes built on real agricultural insight. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from California State University, Chico, specializing in soils and irrigation, along with advanced training in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) from UC Davis. Her background bridges the worlds of farming, food systems, and visual storytelling—showing readers how sustainable growing practices directly shape the flavor and quality of the food we eat. She began her career working with California walnut and almond growers, advising on eco-friendly pest management and crop health. Later, as an Agricultural Extension Agent in Thailand and Deputy Agricultural Commissioner in Santa Cruz County, she promoted organic certification standards, EPA compliance, and environmentally responsible farming methods. These experiences inspired her belief that great cooking starts in the soil and that transparency in food systems builds both better meals and a healthier planet. Today, Lisa combines her agricultural expertise with her passion for food photography and recipe development. Her photography celebrates honest ingredients, local farms, and simple seasonal recipes rooted in sustainability. Through her blog, she shares practical cooking techniques, ingredient education, and the beauty of food grown and prepared with care. Follow Lisa’s latest recipes and photography to explore how science, sustainability, and creativity come together in the kitchen.
Learn how to make a perfect all-butter French pâte brisée with browned butter — flaky, versatile, and ideal for sweet tarts, fruit pies, quiches, and savory galettes. A master crust that works for every filling.
Read More »Easy Tart Crust (Rustic, Flaky Pastry)
I first read Masanobu Fukuoka’s One-Straw Revolution while working as an Agricultural Extension Agent in Northern Thailand, and used some of his suggestions to make farming easier for the local farmers. His philosophy of “natural farming” completely reframed how we think about soil, plants, weeds, and the rhythm of the garden. Fukuoka—a Japanese farmer, scientist, and philosopher—believed that working with nature rather than controlling it creates healthier plants, healthier soil, and a more sustainable landscape with far less effort.
Read More »How “One-Straw Revolution” Transformed Our Gardening: A Natural method using Straw, Wildflowers, Clover, and a More Sustainable Garden
A Coastal Cabin, Golden Light, and One of North America’s Great Wildlife Experiences
Read More »Photographing Roosevelt Elk in Northern California in Fall
A spring trip to Edinburgh staying in the historic Grassmarket, visiting Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Botanic Garden, enjoying traditional Scottish pubs, and touring the immersive Scotch Whisky Experience.
Read More »A Spring Visit to Edinburgh: Staying in the Grassmarket, Gardens, Castles, and Whisky
This easy blood orange marmalade sugar cookie recipe makes a cookie that is fudgy on the inside and crisp on the outside. Filled with bright blood orange marmalade and made using the Master Cookie Recipe with melted butter, oil, and precise gram measurements.
Read More »Easy Blood Orange Marmalade Sugar Cookie Recipe (Melted Butter & Sustainable Ingredients)
Discover why Kernza—a perennial grain developed by The Land Institute—is more sustainable than wheat, saves growers time and money, and adds rich, nutty flavor to breads and waffles. Learn how we use Kernza in our baking.
Read More »What Is Kernza? The Sustainable Perennial Grain Changing How We Bake Bread and Waffles
Discover the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in spring—bursting with blossoms, historic greenhouses, the Queen Mother’s charming cottage, and a café serving classic Scottish shortbread. A perfect destination for garden lovers and photographers alike.
Read More »Spring at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh: Flowers, Photography, Shortbread, and Historic Charm
Discover why small-batch fruit preserves from local farmers taste better, support sustainable agriculture, and make exceptional ingredients for baking, breads, and ice cream.
Read More »Why We Buy Fruit Preserves From Small Farmers (And Why They Make the Best Baking Ingredients)
This is the best walnut pie filling because it is made with browned, maple syrup, bourbon, and sustainably grown walnuts for a deeply flavorful twist on traditional pie. Perfect for Thanksgiving and ideal in our Master Tart Crust.
Read More »Best Walnut Pie Filling (Browned Butter, Maple Syrup & Bourbon)
Photographing butterflies can be surprisingly difficult—but with a few simple adjustments, you can capture sharp, vibrant images that feel effortless and natural.
Read More »Tips for Photographing Butterflies (Sharp, Detailed Results Made Simple)
Mutari Craft Chocolate – A chocolate maker in Santa Cruz California
Read More »Mutari Craft Chocolate
For the best local fish we shop at H&H Fresh Fish and Shucked Raw Bar
Read More »H&H Fresh Fish and Shucked Raw Bar
No need to travel to France! Spontaneous Confections brings authentic French pastry to Santa Cruz for your enjoyment.
Read More »Spontaneous Confections
Discover how eating the Mediterranean diet can help you eat healthier, support sustainability, and enjoy delicious meals. Get practical tips, a sample weekly plan, and links to recipes like aioli and more.
Read More »How to Eat Healthy & Sustainable with the Mediterranean Diet: A Simple Guide
This is an easy recipe for making sugar cookies with goldenberry jam, also known as cape gooseberries or Peruvian ground cherries. These cookies are crispy on the outside, soft in the middle. So easy – no mixer, just stir the ingredients together in a bowl. Perfect every time.
Read More »Goldenberry Jam Sugar Cookies (Buttery, Crispy Cookies with Soft Centers)
Bake soft, crisp-edged strawberry jam sugar cookies using the Master Cookie melted-butter method. Easy, precise, sustainable, and perfectly sweet every time. This cookie recipe also includes a gluten-free variation.
Read More »Strawberry Jam Sugar Cookies — Made from Easy Master Recipe with Melted Butter
Bake the best macadamia nut sugar cookies with this easy melted-butter Master Cookie recipe. Soft inside, crisp edges, sustainably sourced, and perfectly measured by grams. This cookie recipe also includes a tested gluten-free variation, with no special techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
Read More »Macadamia Nut Sugar Cookies (Easy, Foolproof Recipe)
Ten perfect little gift ideas for a photographer. Things they may not even know they want or need.
Read More »Gift Ideas for a Photographer
Bake soft-centered, crisp-edged Gochujang sugar cookies made with melted butter, oil, black sesame, and precise gram measurements for flawless results every time. A recipe that’s fast, simple, and irresistibly unique.
Read More »Gochujang Sugar Cookie Recipe with Black Sesame Seeds (Easy Master Cookie Variation)
Whether you are a longtime local or just passing through Santa Cruz, this curated list will lead you to the very best bakeries in the region — from elegant French-style tarts to artisan sourdough, gluten-free loaves, and celebration cakes.
Read More »Santa Cruz’s Best Bakeries — Where to Find the Finest Bread, Pastries & Cakes
Indulge in the best brown butter caramelized milk chocolate chip cookie recipe, quick and easy to make with kids.
Read More »Best Brown Butter Caramelized Milk Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
This Irish Shortbread cookie recipe is so easy to make – and also the best tasting. But there are a few secrets that you need to know.
Read More »Best Irish Shortbread Cookie Recipe
Try this easy blueberry sugar cookie recipe that is simple to make and delivers delicious results every time.
Read More »Easy Blueberry Sugar Cookie Recipe
The collection of recipes for celebrating the cherry blossom season or just celebrating spring.
Read More »Recipes for celebrating Cherry Blossom Season
Bake soft sakura sugar cookies made with real Japanese cherry blossoms. Easy melted-butter method, no creaming or sifting, and measured by grams for perfect results.
Read More »Sakura Sugar Cookies Recipe (Made with Real Japanese Cherry Blossoms)
Learn how to make sakura ice cream with real cherry blossoms. This delicate Japanese-inspired dessert uses the Master Ice Cream Method for perfectly smooth results and was inspired by the beauty of cherry blossom season.
Read More »Sakura Ice Cream Recipe (Delicate Flavor, Real Cherry Blossoms)
Learn how to make the best homemade pistachio ice cream with real pistachios for deep nutty flavor and a naturally creamy texture. Inspired by travel discoveries and backed by agricultural expertise.
Read More »Pistachio Ice Cream Recipe (Easy method, Ultra Creamy)
When a recipe calls for brown sugar, there is a really simple substitute. You will wonder why you ever bought brown sugar. This is so much easier – and easy on your budget.
Read More »Brown Sugar Substitute Recipe
Superfine sugar, also called caster sugar, is simply granulated sugar ground to a finer texture. You don’t need to buy a special product — you can make it at home in seconds using regular sugar and a food processor.
Read More »What Is Superfine Sugar (Caster Sugar)? — How to Make It from Regular Sugar