Lisa LeCoump
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.
Hazelnut Ice Cream Recipe (Creamy, Italian-Style)
Hazelnut ice cream recipe inspired by the famous chocolate-hazelnut tradition of Turin. Made with real hazelnuts using the Master Ice Cream Recipe for a smooth, creamy texture.
Read More »Hazelnut Ice Cream Recipe (Creamy, Italian-Style)Best Cassoulet Recipe
The Best Cassoulet Recipe Made with Pork Shoulder, Duck Confit, Garlic Sausage and topped with Bread crumbs.
Read More »Best Cassoulet RecipeConfiture de Lait (Dulce de leche) Recipe in an Instant Pot
Using an Instant Pot is a really easy way to make confiture de lait
Read More »Confiture de Lait (Dulce de leche) Recipe in an Instant PotStrawberry Ice Cream Recipe (Rich Flavor, Silky Smooth Texture)
Strawberry ice cream recipe made with fresh farmers market berries for bright flavor and creamy texture. Made using the Master Ice Cream Recipe for perfectly smooth results.
Read More »Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe (Rich Flavor, Silky Smooth Texture)Fall in the Berkshires
The Berkshires have a special look that makes you think of pumpkin pie and simpler times.
Read More »Fall in the BerkshiresLast day in Amsterdam
Our last day in Amsterdam, filled with pictures of boats and canals.
Read More »Last day in AmsterdamPastry Shops in Amsterdam
I was holding out for the best pastries, and when I got to Holtkamp I stopped looking. I got sucked in the door by the meringues in the window, but it was the cakes that were really incredible.
Read More »Pastry Shops in AmsterdamTravels in Vermont
Traveling in Vermont – stopping whenever we wanted…
Read More »Travels in VermontPreparing for an event at the Intercontinental Hotel in Amsterdam
We got a behind the scenes look at the staff of the Intercontinental Hotel preparing for an event. The hotel is really spectacular.
Read More »Preparing for an event at the Intercontinental Hotel in AmsterdamAmsterdam
It was a little tricky traveling after the Viking boat crashed and we were left in Strasbourg, but we finally arrived in Amsterdam (a couple of days early).
Read More »AmsterdamAmsterdam by night
One of the loveliest cities by night. The bridges and streets are lit up and the canals reflect the lights.
Read More »Amsterdam by nightBreisach Germany
The first stop on our river cruise is the small town of Breisach Germany, located right on the Rhine. The town is dominated by the St. Stephansmunster cathedral, sitting on a hill overlooking the river.
Read More »Breisach GermanyDate Ice Cream Recipe (Creamy Smooth, Caramel Flavor)
Date ice cream recipe with rich caramel-like flavor from naturally sweet dates. Made using the Master Ice Cream Recipe for a smooth texture and inspired by the sustainability of tree crops.
Read More »Date Ice Cream Recipe (Creamy Smooth, Caramel Flavor)Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream (Luxardo Maraschino Cherries and Valrhona Chocolate)
Cherry chocolate chip ice cream recipe made with rich Luxardo maraschino cherries and chunks of Valrhona dark chocolate. Created using the Master Ice Cream Recipe for a smooth, creamy homemade dessert.
Read More »Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream (Luxardo Maraschino Cherries and Valrhona Chocolate)Blackberry Ice Cream Recipe (Creamy Ice Cream with Rich Blackberry Swirls)
Blackberry ice cream recipe with deep berry flavor from blackberry preserves. Made using the Master Ice Cream Recipe for smooth, creamy texture and consistent results.
Read More »Blackberry Ice Cream Recipe (Creamy Ice Cream with Rich Blackberry Swirls)Amsterdam – Heineken land
You know you’re in Heineken land when even the bottle opener in your hotel room says Heineken on it.
Read More »Amsterdam – Heineken landBest Refried Beans Recipe
These are the best refried beans because they are faster and easier to make, healthier, gluten-free, and have more flavor than the traditional version.
Read More »Best Refried Beans RecipeFarmers’ Market
If you shop at the farmers’ market, you will be getting produce that is fresh, just picked, ripe and in season, and probably organic as well.
Read More »Farmers’ MarketLocal Farm Stand in Santa Cruz
A local farm stand is a great place to get produce that is just picked and grown for taste.
Read More »Local Farm Stand in Santa CruzBest Hurricane Drink Recipe
The Best Hurricane Drink Recipe to make Mini Hurricanes for Mardi Gras.
Read More »Best Hurricane Drink RecipeBest Chocolatiers in Santa Cruz
There are several chocolatiers in Santa Cruz where you can find excellent handmade chocolates. Santa Cruz is fortunate to have several exceptional chocolatiers. Some have shops and some sell at the farmer’s market or online.
Read More »Best Chocolatiers in Santa CruzPOG Drink Recipe
A POG drink recipe – It’s easy to make POG from fresh squeezed tropical fruit juice instead of buying it in a can.
Read More »POG Drink Recipe




























