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 grams) sucanat sugar
• 1/4 tsp (550 mg) unrefined sea salt
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) honey
• popsicle sticks or lollipop sticks for apples

Instructions

• 1 sweet onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 16 oz (259 grams) 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 grams) kale, shredded (optional)
• 1 cup (171 grams) 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 operates the UBS onsite health center. They will be sponsoring a mental wellness tabling event on Wednesday, October 9^th from 11:30am – 1:30pm. Please stop by Hawks Nest B for this informative event. No prior registration is required.

Join your co-workers and unleash your inner artist at this exciting paint and sip event. You are invited to get into the Oktoberfest spirit as you create your masterpiece with a brush in one hand and a drink in the other. No experience is necessary - our talented instructors will guide you every step of the way.  

This event will take place on Tuesday, October 15^th in Room 3 on the second floor of the 1200 Building from 4pm – 5:30pm. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please sign up here: RSVP. Próst!

Survey Says: It's Family Feud Night! Team up with your coworkers to try and guess the top answers to our challenging survey questions. Back by popular demand, this event will be held on Wednesday, October 23rd at 4pm in Room 3 on the second floor of the 1200 building. Be sure to sign up soon as spots are limited. Family Feud Sign Up

Join us for this in-person gathering to discuss our latest read. Whether you're a self-proclaimed bookworm or just looking to dive into a new hobby, this club is the perfect place to connect with fellow co-workers and book lovers. Come ready to share your thoughts, insights, and perspective!

This event will take place on Wednesday, October 30 in Room 1 on the second floor of the 1200 building. Once you enroll, you will be emailed additional information, including how to receive a copy of the book. 

Sign Up Here

Join us each Tuesday afternoon in October and November in the Hawks Nest 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!

Join us in the Hawk’s Nest on October 30^th for a fun-filled event where you can let your creativity shine! Grab a pumpkin and use the paint provided to create your own unique masterpiece. Don't miss out on the chance to show off your pumpkin painting skills and perhaps win a café voucher for the best design.

Please sign up here: Pumpkin Painting

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 6: Wine Poached Salmon & Charred Broccolini

November 20:Hearty Mushroom, Tomato & Garlic Stew

November 27:Balancing Blood Sugar Through Nutrition and Lifestyle Habits

The Hawk’s Nest Café continues to delight and surprise us all month long with several tasty offerings that will be available on the days listed below. Unless otherwise noted, all of the pop-ups will take place from 2:30pm – 4:30pm. Don’t miss out!

10/8 – National Pierogi Day pop-up at the chef table

10/10 – Vendor pop-up featuring La Colombe. They will be providing samples of their seasonal coffees from 11:30am – 1:30pm.

10/16 – Apple cider and donut pop-up at the coffee bar

10/23 – Warm fruit-filled beignet pop-up at the chef table

10/30 – Buffalo chicken spring roll pop-up at the chef table

Join us on November 5^th for a few rounds of “America’s game” – Wheel of Fortune! If you have ever watched the game at home and found yourself playing along through the television screen, then this is your chance to test your skills in thrilling, head-to-head competition with your co-workers. Will you be the one to make it to the bonus round? Sign up here for a fun-filled afternoon in Room 8 (located on the second floor of the 1200 Building) from 4pm – 5pm. Registration is required: Sign Up Here

In honor of Veteran’s Day, we will be taking time out to express our gratitude to those in the armed forces by completing thank you for your service cards. The cards will be available in Hawk’s Nest A to complete on November 13^th from 10am – 3pm. Please be sure to stop by to share some heartfelt words of appreciation and encouragement!

We will have a sommelier from Acker Wines take us on journey through the rich and flavorful world of French red wines. Taste some of the finest wine selections while learning about the history and production techniques that make them so special. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of reds, this event is perfect for anyone looking to expand their palate and knowledge. We will be meeting in Hawk’s Nest A on Thursday, November 21^st from 4pm – 5pm. Space is limited and registration is required: Wine Tour

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:

1. 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.
2. Stay Active: Exercise releases endorphins, elevating mood. Even small bursts of physical activity, such short walks can make a big difference.
3. Maintain a Routine: Establish a routine that involves self-care, regular sleep schedule and mealtimes to provide structure and help manage stress.
4. 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.
5. 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.