HHN anchor Grace Lee. Watch the replay HERE.

There’s nothing like live television to put your recipes to the test — and this week, I had the absolute pleasure of sharing my favorite cashew cheese sauce on Hawaii News Now SUNRISE with Grace Lee.

Walking into the studio, I knew I was bringing something a little unexpected to the table. Cheese sauce… without cheese? For anyone skeptical of plant-based food, that can raise an eyebrow. But that’s exactly why I love this recipe- it surprises people.

According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, about 36 percent of Americans have some degree of lactose intolerance. That’s one in three people who may not be able to comfortably enjoy traditional mac ’n cheese. And comfort food should be for everyone.

I blended soaked cashews with simple pantry ingredients and transformed them into a light, silky sauce that looks, pours, and tastes indulgent — without the dairy.

The best part? It’s completely dairy-free, gluten-free, oil-free, sugar-free, and cholesterol-free- creamy, satisfying comfort food that doesn’t leave you feeling heavy.

Watching Grace taste it live on air was my favorite moment. That shift from curiosity to surprise — and then genuine curiosity — is why I do what I do. Plant-based food isn’t about deprivation. It’s about discovery.

It’s free from dairy, gluten, oil, and added sugar, so it works for so many dietary needs and preferences, and is exactly the kind of recipe you can bring to a table knowing more people can enjoy it.

That’s what Nourishing Paradise is all about — creating food that feels inclusive, nourishing, and abundant.

Cashews in. Dairy out. And no one misses a thing.

Enjoy the recipes from my cookbook, Tasting Hawai’i vegan Style.

From the cookbook Tasting Hawai’i Vegan Style.

Order your signed copy of Tasting Hawai’i Vegan Style HERE.

While it makes an incredible mac ’n cheese, this sauce is incredibly versatile.

You can:

Stir it into soups and stews for added creaminess
Drizzle it over crisp romaine lettuce for a twist on Caesar salad
Spoon it over roasted vegetables
Use it as a cheese fondue — guaranteed to get even picky eaters to enjoy their veggies
Spread it onto wraps, baked potatoes, or grain bowls
Add 1 tablespoon of sauerkraut and/or 1 tablespoon vegan yogurt to give your sauce a nice tang and cultured taste
Add fresh or dried spices and herbs to customize your cashew cheese sauce for any dish

I’m so excited for what’s coming next—my free cooking demo, hosted by the Vegan Society of Hawaii, is all about showing just how indulgent, satisfying, and nourishing plant-based food can be. I’ll be featuring my signature creamy cashew creation (yes, the one that wins over even the pickiest eaters!) and sharing practical tips on how to recreate it at home using simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s going to be an interactive, inspiring experience and I can’t wait to cook with you and help turn your world into a Nourishing Paradise.

Hope to see you there!