October’s Recipe of the Month from the UBS Cooking School
October is a favorite month for many because of Halloween treats, including Candy Apples. They are a guilty pleasure that both adults and children love to eat during this time of the year. No one can resist the unbeatable combination of sweetness, chewiness, and crunchiness! To make this recipe a pinch healthier, sucanat sugar (a less processed form of sugar which retains more nutrients from the sugar cane) is being used.
Candy Caramel Apples
- 6–8 small apples
- 1 cup (237 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (100 g) sucanat sugar
- 1/4 tsp (550 mg) unrefined sea salt
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) honey
- popsicle sticks or lollipop sticks for apples
Instructions
Refrigerate your apples for several hours. Cold apples make for easier preparation. In a saucepan over medium heat, heat up the cream to just before it starts to boil (when the bubbles start to form on the edge of the pan). Add honey, sucanat, and salt. Stir to dissolve and bring to a boil. Stirring continuously, allow to boil for 10 minutes until the temperature reaches 248° F (120° C). Do not stop stirring or the caramel will burn. Once the caramel reached the right temperature, carefully put the pan into an ice bath. Be careful not to get any water into the caramel or pan. This ice bath will stop the caramel from cooking. Leave the caramel in the ice bath until it thickens (10-15 seconds). Place the sticks into the apple and dip the apple into the caramel and coat completely. Work fast! The caramel will thicken up quickly. Repeat with the remaining apples and enjoy!November’s Recipe of the Month from our UBS Cooking School
One of the best foods to enjoy in the fall is pumpkin. If you want a simple, comforting, and nourishing soup, then this pumpkin soup recipe is the perfect choice for you. You can use canned or fresh pumpkin (or another orange squash such as kabocha, butternut or honeynut) and add or subtract any other ingredients to make it to your liking.
Simple Pumpkin Soup
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 16 oz (259 g) pumpkin: canned puree or fresh cubed (skin + seeds removed)
- 1 1/3 cup (300 ml) vegetable broth
- 1 cup (237 ml) milk, cream, or plant-based milk
- 13.5 oz (400 ml) coconut milk
- ½ tsp (1,150 mg) nutmeg
- ¼ tsp (550 mg) coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup (171 g) kale, shredded (optional)
- 1 cup (171 g) cooked white beans, rinsed (optional)
- Garnish options: pepitas, coconut milk to drizzle, cilantro, or fried sage
Sauté onion over medium heat until slightly browned. Add bell pepper, nutmeg and coriander and a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue to sauté until soft. Add pumpkin puree or fresh cubes now along with broth. Bring to simmer and, if using fresh pumpkin, let cook until pumpkin softens. Add milk and coconut milk. Blend either all or half of the soup depending on texture preferences using upright or immersion blender. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Bring back to a simmer and add kale and white beans (if using), cook another 1-2 minutes. Serve topped with garnishes of choice. Happy autumn!
Premise Health Monthly Event
Premise Health operates the UBS onsite health center in the lower lobby of the building. They will be sponsoring a mental wellness tabling event on Wednesday, October 16th from 11:30am – 1:30pm. Please stop by the 12th floor Lounge for this informative event. No prior registration is required.
Grab ‘n Go Events
10/8 – National Pierogi Day pop-up at the chef table
10/15 – Italian Heritage Month pop-up at the chef table
10/16 – Apple cider and donut pop-up at the chef table
10/23 – Warm fruit-filled beignet pop-up at the chef table
10/29 – Diwali-inspired lunch at the chef table at the chef table
10/30 – Buffalo chicken spring roll pop-up at the chef tableCooking School Classes
October 4: Pumpkin Tutorial: Prepping, Puree & Butter
October 10: Beef Empanadas
October 18: Autumn Carrot Cake
November 1: Calzones
November 22: Sticky Cranberry Gingerbread
November 29: Leftover Turkey Enchiladas Suizas
Use this link to view more of our virtual Cooking School classes: Cooking School
Movie Tuesdays
Join us each Tuesday afternoon in October and November in the 12th floor Lounge for a great movie! October’s theme is “Halloween Scream” and will feature some classic, fun, scary movies. November’s theme is “Thanksgiving” and will feature some films guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit. The movies will be aired starting at 12pm. See you there!
Wellness Wednesdays
Join us every Wednesday for our weekly wellness classes where we focus on all aspects of health and well-being. These virtual classes are led by our Wellness Manager Maya Billig.
October 2: Silky Beet Pasta, Chevre & Hazelnuts
October 9: All About Macros - Carbohydrates, Protein & Fat
October 16: Moroccan Pumpkin & Chickpea Stew
October 23: Protein Powders: Pros and Cons
October 30: The Power of Herbs and Spices in Total Wellness
November 20:Hearty Mushroom, Tomato & Garlic Stew
November 27:Balancing Blood Sugar Through Nutrition and Lifestyle Habits
Wellness Corner from Wellness Manager Maya Billig
Mental Health Habits to Boost Mood as The Seasons Change
As the season change, many people experience a shift in their mood. Whether it’s the drop in temperature, shorter days, or simply a change in routine, it is common to feel a bit off-balance. However, there are plenty of ways to boost your mood during this time and embrace the season with positivity and energy. Here are some tried and true tips for staying up-beat as the seasons shift
- Embrace the Outdoors: Spending time outside in any season can do wonders for your mood by boosting serotonin levels through fresh air and natural light.
- Stay Active: Exercise releases endorphins, elevating mood. Even small bursts of physical activity, such short walks can make a big difference.
- Maintain a Routine: Establish a routine that involves self-care, regular sleep schedule and mealtimes to provide structure and help manage stress.
- Eat Mood Boosting Foods: Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon and walnuts), dark leafy greens, and even dark chocolate have been proven to boost mood.
- Focus on Gratitude: Shifting your mindset by practicing gratitude daily can help you feel more positive about the seasonal changes around you.
As the seasons change, so does your environment, and it is natural for your mood to fluctuate along with it. By taking proactive steps that feel good to you, you can keep your mood high and learn to embrace the rhythms of the season. Stay mindful of how your body responds to these changes and give yourself the care and attention you deserve.