About scrumptious emma

I’m Livia Yarra

a 43-year-old home cook living in Asheville, North Carolina. I didn’t train in fancy kitchens—my culinary roots go back to my grandmother’s stove, where cornbread and beans taught me everything I needed to know about warmth and flavor.
Cooking is how I show love. After long days as a teacher or florist, I always found peace in my kitchen, stirring up meals that comfort and connect. My food isn’t complicated; it’s heartfelt. Think flaky chicken pot pie or a bright summer tomato salad.

Food connects us all — a shared language of love, comfort, and culture.
It brings people to the table, no matter where they’re from. But here’s the real mystery:
Why does cooking feel like a half-day adventure, the meal disappear in three blissful minutes, and the dishes linger like a week-long guest who won’t take a hint?

I once burnt a whole tray of biscuits because I was dancing with my daughter. We laughed, salvaged what we could, and made a memory. That’s what cooking means to me: joy in the imperfections.

These days, I’m exploring Appalachian flavors, blending tradition with a bit of fun. If you’re a home cook too, I hope you find inspiration here—and maybe a little magic in your own kitchen.

With love, Livia

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