SEPTEMBER EVENTS with CHEF LILLIAN CUMIC
September is shaping up to be a very special month for my Nourishing Paradise brand, with three exciting opportunities to connect through food, media, community — and even a little fashion!
September 16
🌰 Hawaii News Now SUNRISE — 7:40 a.m.
📰 Honolulu Star-Advertiser CRAVE — ʻUlu feature
September 25–26
👗🐾 Young at Heart Expo — Blaisdell
🎤 Jordan Segundo — main stage from 12 noon
📚 Lillian's cookbooks available for purchase
🎟️ FREE ADMISSION
From the Hawaii News Now SUNRISE kitchen to the pages of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, and finally to the runway at the Al Waterson Celebrities & Their Pets Fashion Show 2026 , I’ll be sharing what I love most: healthy living, and a whole lot of Aloha. Here’s where you can find me this month!
Watch the Nice-Cream Segment with Grace Lee HERE.
September 16 — Hawaii News Now SUNRISE
Start your morning with me on Hawaii News Now SUNRISE on Wednesday, September 16 at 7:40 a.m. I’ll be joining SUNRISE co-anchor Grace Lee for another fun Nourishing Paradise segment — and this time, we’re baking a plant-based protein brownie featuring wholesome ingredients including chickpeas, sweet potato, banana, and apples.
One of my favorite things about these television segments is showing viewers that plant-based food doesn't have to be complicated, boring, or mean giving up your favorite foods. It's simply about taking something familiar and reimagining it with more nourishing ingredients. And yes — brownies can absolutely be part of the conversation! So set your alarm, grab your coffee or morning tea, and tune in at 7:40 a.m. Here’s the recipe!
SWEET POTATO, CHESTNUT & APPLE BROWNIE CAKE
This plant-based protein brownie brings all the comfort of the season into one delicious bite. Made with wholesome plant-based ingredients, it’s rich, fudgy, satisfying, and perfect for that time of year when we start craving a little extra warmth and sweetness.
Base layer:
• 1 can (15oz/435g) chickpeas, drained
• 1 package (5.2oz/150g) roasted chestnuts
• 6 pitted Medjool dates
• 1 ripe banana
• ¼ cup nut butter
• 2 tbs nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ½ cup chopped nuts, optional (Mac nuts, pistachios, walnuts, almonds)
Blend all the ingredients (up to nutritional yeast), in a food processor until creamy, or leave chunky if you prefer. Fold in the chopped nuts, if using, and spread into a lined 8 × 8 baking pan.
Sweet Potato Layer:
• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• ¼ cup almond flour (or flour of choice)
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Pinch of salt
Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C). Cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise and place cut-side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 80-90 mins until soft and caramelized., Mix in the remaining ingredients and mash together with a fork or spatula.
Apple Topping:
• 2 medium red apples, peeled, cored and diced
• 2 tsp maple or agave syrup
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Pinch of salt
Mix the ingredients for the apple topping and spread over the sweet potato layer. Increase the oven temperature to 360°F (180°C) and bake for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and place on a cool rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight to set. Cut into desired 16 squares and enjoy!
Store the brownies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
📰 September 16 — My Monthly NOURISHING PARADISE CRAVE Column
September 16 is a fun day for me because it's also the publication date of my monthly CRAVE column in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, this month's column shines the spotlight on one of Hawaiʻi's most incredible local foods: ʻulu — breadfruit.
ʻUlu has such a fascinating place in Hawaiʻi's food culture and history, and I love finding ways to bring traditional local ingredients into a modern plant-based kitchen. For me, Nourishing Paradise has always been about more than simply following a particular way of eating. It's about reconnecting with real food, appreciating where our ingredients come from, and exploring another wonderful taste of Hawaiʻi. Look for the September 16 issue of CRAVE!
👗🐾 September 26 — Al Waterson Celebrities & Their Pets Fashion Show
Then it's time to trade the kitchen apron for the runway! On Saturday, September 26, I'll be walking in the Al Waterson Celebrities & Their Pets Fashion Show 2026 as part of the Young at Heart Expo at the Blaisdell.
And this event is going to be extra special because Jordan Segundo will be flying in from Miami to emcee and perform!
Jordan will be on the main stage on Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26 from 12 noon, so you'll definitely want to come out and enjoy the entertainment. Best of all, admission is FREE on both days! 🙌
I'll also have my cookbooks available for purchase at the event, so if you've been wanting to add a little more Hawaiʻi-inspired plant-based cooking to your kitchen library, come by the main stage, say hello, and grab a signed copy- I'd love to meet you!
🌺 Save the Dates!
Three events. Three very different stages. One common thread:
Nourishing Paradise is about making healthy, plant-based living delicious, accessible, joyful and part of everyday life- EAT SMARTER LIVE BETTER.
Whether you're watching from home, reading along in CRAVE, or joining me in person at the Young at Heart Expo, thank you for being part of this journey. I hope to see you somewhere along the way!
warmest Aloha,
Lillian
Mrs. Honolulu 2026
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