Recipe of the Month from Cooking School’s Chef Sydney
For a lighter take on macaroni salad, this recipe dials down the mayonnaise and balances richness with more acidic ingredients: lemon and buttermilk. To emphasize the freshness we love in springtime cooking, we add lots of fresh herbs and crunchy veggies.
Spring Macaroni Salad with Herbs and Lemon
Serves 4
1 lb (450 mL) pasta, cooked and cooled
2 cups (500 mL) sliced crunchy vegetables, such as celery, fennel, sugar snap peas, or red onion
1 cup (250mL) fresh English peas, shelled and blanched (or defrosted if using frozen)
1 bunch fresh chopped herbs, such as parsley, chives, dill, tarragon, or a combination
Dressing:
½ cup (118 mL) mayo
½ cup (118 mL) buttermilk or sour cream
Pinch sugar optional
1 lemon, for zest and juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Combine pasta, vegetables, and herbs in a mixing bowl.
2. Make a delicious dressing by combining all ingredients in a mixing bowl, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well, taste, and adjust to your liking. Dress both the pasta and vegetables with the dressing, and then toss until combined.
Recipe of the Month from Cooking School’s Chef Brian
On days when you are looking for an easy meal, avocado toast is a great option. It is popular for a reason: low-effort, minimal cooking, and super flexible. I have listed some of my favorite toppings, but consider this an invitation to get creative and use your own favorite ingredients!
Avocado Toast and ToppingsServes 4
4 slices of sourdough from a boule, or thick slices of whole grain bread
2 tablespoons (30 grams) extra virgin olive oil
2 ripe avocados
1 lime or lemon
Coarse sea salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings (As Much As You Would Like!): Spices or spice mixes, such as paprika or everything bagel seasoning Hot sauceor balsamic glaze Pickled red onion or jalapeno Shaved crunchy veggies Roasted,grilled, or sauteed veggies Soft boiled egg Pesto Grated or crumbledcheese Fresh choppedherbs (parsley, dill, chives, tarragon, cilantro)
Instructions:
1. Ina large sauté pan set over medium heat, add a thin layer of extravirgin olive oil and toast your slices of bread until golden on each side for about 3 – 5 minutes each side.
2. Slice around the avocadopit with a sharp knife, twist to separate the halves, and remove the pit from your avocado.Use a big spoon to scoop out the flesh. After transferring the avocado to a mixing bowl, mashwith a fork or the bottom of a whisk until the consistency is to your liking.Season with salt, fresh cracked pepper, and citrus juice, and adjust to your liking. Spread the avocado on top of your toast, and garnishwith any of the optional toppings of your choice!
Games Galore
- May 7th: Cornhole & Football Toss
- May 20th: Reading Hour
- Take a moment of mindfulness, and stop by to choose from a variety of books – or bring your own! Snacks will be provided.
- May 22nd: Bingo
- May 28th: Board Games & Trivia
Café Samples & Sales
- Live Loud Foods: Vibrant nuts bursting with bold, global flavors: May 8th
- Once Upon a Coconut: Refreshing coconut water infused with fruity flavors and no added sugars: May 12th
- Tochi: Irresistible snacks including popcorn and chips with Asian-inspired flavors and nutritious ingredients: May 15th
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:
- May 9th: Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp For Mother's Day
- May 21st: Virtual Wellness Cooking Class: Superfood Avocado Toast Bar
- May 23rd: Easy & Entertaining Memorial Day Party Tips
- May 29th: Thai Red Curry With Shrimp, Veggies & Tofu
Special Events at 1285 Market
- May 9th: Celebrating Mother's Day
- Chef Table: Make sure to stop by the Chef's Table to enjoy exquisite Lobster Rolls served with House Chips.
- May 26th: Celebrating Memorial Day
- Grab & Go: Don't miss out on cookout staples such as BBQ Pork Back Ribs, Hickory Baked Beans, Corn on The Cob, and Corn Bread.
Group Walk In Honor Of National Walking Month
In honor of National Walking Month this May, join us for a wholesome outdoors Group Walk on Tuesday, May 13th! A member from our Fitness Center will lead this walk, and we will meet at the lobby reception desk at 4:00 p.m. Please be sure to register below so we know to expect you. Registration: Sign Up Here
1285 Market Collaborations With MOSAIC
Celebrate Culture & Cuisine with Us!
This month, in partnership with MOSAIC, we’re honoring Jewish American Month and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Month with themed menu items at the Café from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.:
- May 13th: Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month
- Chef Table: Za’atar Roasted Chicken, Sumac Potatoes, and Tahini Glazed Carrots
- May 20th: AANHPI Month
- Chef Table: Marinated Hanger Steak Ssam, Red Kimchi Puree & Ginger Scallion, Roasted Cauliflower, and Roasted Sweet Summer Corn
Join us for a month of amazing flavors, cultural appreciation, and tasty traditions. Don’t miss out - come hungry and celebrate with us! For more information, please visit goto\mosaicamericas.
Premise Health Activation: The Importance of Primary Care
Mini-Golf Tournament
Join us for a thrilling Mini-Golf tournament on Thursday, May 15th, from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in celebration of May's PGA Tournament. Showcase your skills to be crowned champion – and win bragging rights for the rest of the year! We will meet in the 12th Floor Lounge. Spots are limited for this exciting event, so please be sure to register below to secure your spot.
Registration: Sign Up Here
Spring Farmer's Market
Celebrate the season at our Spring Farmer’s Market at the 1285 Market on Wednesday, May 21st! From 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m, there will be a curated selection of fresh, locally sourced produce with pre-labeled bags for easy scan-and-go convenience. Once you have made your selections, then you can enjoy a self-checkout experience at the register.
Learn about the local farms behind your favorite items and support sustainable agriculture while savoring the flavors of spring!
Formula 1: Monaco Grand Prix Watch Party
In celebration of the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, join us for a watch party on Friday, May 23rd, from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., where snacks and refreshments will be served! We will meet in the 12th Floor Lounge. Bring a friend, and enjoy as we socialize and enjoy thrilling coverage on the big screen! No registration is required.
Wellness Corner from Wellness Manager Maya Billig
Carbohydrates are vital to our cardiovascular and digestive health. The unique mix of fiber, starches, and sugar (the three main components of carbohydrates) in carbohydrate-rich foods can affect your health in different ways.
Fiber: Fiber is the edible component of plant foods that can’t be digested by humans. It provides food for gut bacteria by fermenting and attracting water to the large intestine. As a result, fiber produces substances for lowering cholesterol by slowing absorption of dietary carbohydrates and stabilizing blood sugar. Fiber also increases the bulk and promotes healthy waste removal. Good sources are whole grain products, nuts and seeds, legumes, and skin-on fruits and vegetables.
Resistant Starches: Resistant starches, one type of starch similar to fiber, are found in complex carbs. Their complex structure slows digestion and promotes satiety, healthy gut bacteria, and reduces cholesterol and inflammation. Good sources are cereal grains like brown rice or oats, and root vegetables such as cassava or potatoes, as well as legumes like beans, peas, or lentils.
Sugar: Sugars are simple molecules that are digested quickly. Added sugar in sodas, candy, desserts, as well as commercial bone broth or pre-made sauces should be an occasional indulgence. A high sugar diet and the resulting insulin resistance may trigger weight gain, inflammation, and artery-clogging plaque responsible for most heart disease.
Carbs in Your Meals: Whether you're having grains, beans, starchy vegetables, or a fruit, aim for a fist size portion as a reference point for serving size. The USDA recommends filling up one-fourth of your plate with complex carbs - a combination of fiber-rich grains or starchy vegetables and a smaller amount of fruit in every meal.
World Bee Day & Sustainability
There are several ways you can support bees, biodiversity, and general sustainability efforts. Starting a garden with a variety of native flowers and plants can provide bees with essential nectar and pollen sources. Additionally, creating a small water source, such as a shallow dish with pebbles, can give bees a safe place to drink. Supporting local beekeepers by purchasing honey and other bee-related products can further contribute to the health and sustainability of bee populations. Another great spring tip is to start composting. Composting organic waste like food scraps and yard trimmings can reduce landfill waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. This practice not only helps the environment by reducing methane emissions from landfills but also provides a natural fertilizer that promotes healthy plant growth. By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can play a significant role in promoting biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for our planet.
Premise Health’s Mental Health Tip Series
Sunlight is key for mental well-being. Brief sun exposure boosts Vitamin D, which can uplift mood and combat seasonal blues. Aim for 10-30 minutes outdoors each day. Bundle up, find a sunny spot, and soak in the light! When sunlight is scarce, consider Vitamin D supplements after consulting with a healthcare provider. Vitamin D is often a potentially low cost, out of pocket supplement. Your mental health matters, so let's brighten those days this spring!
Benefits of Vitamin D:
- Mood Enhancement: Vitamin D helps alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Immune Support: It strengthens the immune system, helping to fend off illnesses.
- Sleep Regulation: It plays a role in maintaining healthy sleep patterns, essential for mental well-being.
How to Access Services:
All UBS (Non-Contractor) Employees can access our Health Center Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. with the option to schedule appointments online via the MyPremiseHealth portal, or by calling the Health Center. No cost, no obligation 10-15 minute mental health consults are available upon request with our Behavioral Health Professional.