December’s Recipe of the Month from Cooking School’s Chef Sydney
Garlic and Dijon Chicken Thighs Serves 4
- 3 tbsp (45ml) olive oil
- 2 tbsp (30ml) lemon juice
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Dijon
- ½ onion, pureed or finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, pureed or finely chopped
- 1 tsp (5ml) brown sugar
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 chicken thighs, with or without bones and skin
Instructions
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice, onion, garlic, Worcestershire, Dijon, sugar, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl and mix well. Place chicken in a baking dish and pour marinade over; coat both sides. Place in the refrigerator and marinate for 1 - 12 hours, turning the thighs over a few times throughout to coat on both sides.
- When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 425 F (218 C); let chicken sit on the counter until it reaches room temperature, about 20 minutes.
- Transfer chicken to a parchment lined baking tray and place in a preheated oven. Cook until chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C); about 20 - 25 minutes for boneless thighs or about 30 - 35 minutes for bone-in skin-in thighs. Baste chicken every 10 - 15 minutes with marinade as it is cooking. If top of chicken is becoming too brown before it is cooked through, lower the oven to 375F (191 C) and loosely cover chicken with foil.
Premise Health Monthly Event
Premise Health operates the UBS onsite health center in the lower lobby of the building. In honor of national influenza vaccination week, which runs from December 2nd – December 6th, Premise Health will be hosting a tabling event on Wednesday, December 4th in the 12th floor Lounge. Stop by between 11:30am – 1:30pm to receive information on how to get your free flu shot, and how to promote health and wellness as we enter the winter season. No pre-registration is required.
Holiday Coat Drive
No one should be without a warm winter coat. Help us continue to give back to our communities by contributing to the holiday coat drive in partnership with the UBS Social Impact and Philanthropy Americas team! New or gently used, clean coats of all sizes will be gratefully accepted now through the end of December. They can be deposited in the bins located at the UBS elevator banks and in the 12th floor Lounge.
Holiday Bingo Social
Ring in the season with us as we gather for a fun and festive holiday bingo. Bonus points if you wear your ugliest holiday sweater to the event! Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to get to know your colleagues better and to revel in the holiday spirit. We will be meeting in the 12th floor Lounge on December 12th from 4:00pm – 5:00pm. Please register to secure your spot.
Registration: Sign Up Here
Toy Donation and Gift Wrapping Party
All are welcome as we close out the year with a toy drive and gift-wrapping party. Help us make the holidays bright not only for ourselves, but for many children in need. To partake in our celebration, kindly bring a new, unwrapped toy to our toy drive. Toys for older children (ages 8 – 12) are especially needed. Gift-wrapping paper, bows, and tape will be provided. This special event will be held on Tuesday, December 17th in the 12th Floor Lounge from 3:00pm – 5:00pm. Be sure to register below so we know to expect you.
Registration: Sign Up Here
Holiday Board Games and Puzzles
Take a break from your computer and join us for some holiday-themed board games and puzzles in the 12th floor Lounge. We will have games available for your enjoyment on December 19th from 3:00 pm – 5:00pm. No prior registration is needed.
Grab ‘n Go Events
• December 4th: Cinnamon Sugar Dusted Churros Pop-Up
- Choose one sauce: salted caramel or warm chocolate sauce
- Choose one topping: spiced pepitas or coconut
- Hot cocoa served with choice of unlimited toppings: whipped cream, mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint, chocolate shavings, cinnamon, caramel sauce
- Served with a choice of: sour cream, apple sauce, chives, caramelized onions, crumbled bacon
Virtual Cooking School Classes
The UBS Cooking School offers free, virtual classes daily where employees can practice their cooking skills and prepare fantastic recipes designed by our onsite chefs. A few of our popular, upcoming classes are featured below:
- December 4th: Tea Poached Salmon, Mushrooms Wild Rice
- December 13th: Holiday Sugar Cookies
- December 20th: Holiday Party Sangria Bar
- December 27th: Decadent New Years Dinner: Pistachio Lamb
Holiday Sustainability
- Instead of traditional wrapping paper, which often can't be recycled, try reusable gift bags, fabric wraps, or even newspapers with a creative twist. Not only will your gifts look unique, but you’ll also be reducing paper waste.
- For presents, consider supporting local artisans, opting for sustainable products, or giving experiences that create memories without the waste. Experiences often make for the most memorable presents!
- When it comes to holiday decorations, switch to energy-efficient LED lights and remember to turn them off when you’re not around.
- After festive meals, be mindful of food waste—plan portions carefully, compost scraps, or donate leftovers to a local shelter.
As we look ahead to 2025, consider setting new sustainability goals, whether it's cutting down on single-use plastics, biking more, or choosing eco-friendly products. Let’s finish the year with a little less waste and a lot more sustainability!
Wellness Corner from Wellness Manager Maya Billig
Healthy Eating Tips for the Holiday Season
The holidays bring joy, celebration, and often an abundance of delicious treats. It can be challenging to maintain healthy eating habits during this festive season, but with a few mindful choices, you can enjoy your favorite holiday dishes while keeping your health in check.
Balance Your Plate: Holiday meals are often carb-heavy, with rich casseroles, potatoes, and desserts. Try to include a variety of food groups by adding a serving of lean protein, like turkey or chicken, along with colorful veggies for balance. This approach will help you feel satisfied and nourish your body with essential nutrients.
Don’t Skip Meals: Many people “save up” their appetite for a big holiday dinner by skipping breakfast or lunch, which can lead to overeating later. Instead, eat balanced meals and snacks throughout the day to keep your energy steady and make mindful choices when the main meal comes around.
Stay Hydrated: It’s easy to overlook water when surrounded by seasonal drinks and cocktails, but staying hydrated is essential. Drink water throughout the day and consider alternating alcoholic drinks with water to help prevent dehydration.
Choose Sweets Wisely: Desserts are often a holiday highlight, but too much sugar can leave you feeling sluggish. Pick your favorite treat, savor it slowly, and stop when you’re satisfied.
Move a Little Every Day: Whether it’s a brisk walk after a meal or a morning workout, moving daily can help you stay energized and support digestion. Even gentle activity can make a difference during the busy holiday season.