Dear Colleagues,

This month, the UBS Cooking School and community events calendars are packed with fun and engaging classes, events, and activations. Included are some delicious recipes for you to enjoy, as well as highlights of some of our Cooking School classes, Wellness Wednesday classes, and upcoming community events. Please join us for these exciting “Key Occasions.”

Regards,

The Community Management Team

For the easiest holiday dessert, I always make poached pears. They are elegant, healthy, and versatile. You can change the cooking liquid to juice or wine, and you can change the sweetener to honey, maple, agave, or palm sugar (or skip the sugar for a healthier version). These can be made a couple days in advance, and they can be served in a variety of ways. I love to serve them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, topped with crumbled graham crackers.

Spiced Cider Poached Pears

Serves 4 – 6

Ingredients:

3 cups (709 mL) apple or pear cider

1 - 3 whole spices (not ground), such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, cardamom pods, anise seeds, or slices of fresh ginger

1 orange, for zest and juice

⅓ cup (40 g) brown or white sugar

4 pears (ripe but firm), such as bosc, anjou, or seckel

Instructions:

1. In a deep, wide saucepan, combine the cider with the spices, strip of orange zest, orange juice, and sugar. Bring to a simmer, whisk well, and reduce to the lowest heat.
2. Prepare the pears by peeling, halving lengthwise, and scooping the seeds with a small melon baller. Add the pears to saucepan with the cut side down. Add water as needed to submerge the pears in liquid. A cartouche, or parchment “lid” with a small vent hole in the center, can be used to keep pears from floating above the liquid.
3. Cook very gently, adjusting the heat as needed: you should see few small bubbles coming to the surface occasionally, not constantly. Check often to ensure the mixture is not boiling, and gently reposition the pears so that they stay submerged below the liquid. Cook until translucent and easily pierced with a small knife for 20 - 40 minutes depending on ripeness. Pears can be eaten hot or cold. Cool and store in cooking liquid.

Liquid can be reduced down to a syrup for serving, if desired.

If you need an easy but elegant recipe for your next holiday party, look no further than these puff pastry cheese twists. With store-bought puff pastry, you can make many different hors d’oeuvres, but these are always a hit. While the type of cheese is flexible, choose one that is firm and grates easily, as soft cheeses will melt out of the pastry during baking. You can flavor the cheese with spices, or even with herbs if you desire. To top it all off, you can skip the cheese and simply make these as ‘puff pastry twists’- they will still be popular!

Parmesan Cheese Twists

Makes 24 Twists

Ingredients:

1 cup (113 g) finely grated firm, aged, grating cheese (such as parmigiano reggiano, pecorino, manchego, gruyere, cheddar), divided

Black pepper and red pepper flakes, to taste

1 sheet puff pastry (half of 490 grams box), thawed

All-purpose flour, for dusting

1 egg, scrambled with a drop of water, for egg wash

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 °F (204 °C). Prepare two baking trays with parchment. In a mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup (65 g) of cheese with seasoning to taste. Reserve remaining cheese.
2. Lightly flour your work surface and lay out the thawed pastry sheet. Roll the sheet out into a 16" (41 cm) x 12” (30 cm) rectangle. Brush with egg wash. With the short side of the pastry sheet facing you, sprinkle cheese mixture over half of the puff pastry closest to you. Fold the empty half of the pastry sheet over the cheese-covered half, sandwiching the cheese in between. Press gently to seal.
3. With the short side of the pastry sheet facing you, cut dough into 24 strips (8” x ½”, or 20 cm x 1 cm ). Transfer strips to your prepared baking trays with space between each strip. Brush each strip on both sides with egg wash. Twist the strips gently and press the ends down onto the pan to prevent uncurling during baking. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over strips. Transfer trays to oven and bake cheese twists until golden brown and puffed, rotating the pans halfway through, for about 10 - 15 minutes. Transfer to the wire racks to cool slightly before serving

Join our talented trainers and enjoy a great workout in one of our group fitness classes. To sign up for the session of your choice, stop by the Fitness Center or email SH-Raleigh-FitnessCenter@ubs.com

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Friday: 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Mondays:

• Yogalates from 12:05 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Tuesdays:

• StrongHER/Strictly Strength from 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
• Strength and Conditioning from 5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.

Wednesdays:

• HIIT & Core from 12:05 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
• CrossHIIT from 5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.

Thursdays:

• Tabata Bootcamp from 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
• Strength and Conditioning from 5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

As the holidays approach, don't forget to place your order for special holiday desserts to take home to your family! Starting December 1, order forms will be available in the café until Thursday, December 18, or you can place your order on Thrive. When placing your order, you can select a pickup date of Tuesday, December 23 or Wednesday, December 24.

Every month, our Wellness Manager and registered dietitian Maya Billig (MS, RD, CDN) hosts informative virtual Wellness Wednesday classes. Don't miss this month's classes, be sure to sign up below!

• Virtual Wellness x Cooking Class - Sticky Chinese Chicken with Ginger, Soy, and Tea: Wednesday, December 3 from 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Virtual Wellness x Cooking Class - Fuel, Hydrate, and Move Through the Winter (Co-Taught by Fitness Specialist Enrique Camacho): Wednesday, December 10 from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
• Virtual Wellness Wednesdays - Building Healthy Habits That Stick: Wednesday, December 17 from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
• Virtual Wellness x Cooking Class - Stunning Stuffed Squash: Wednesday, December 24 from 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
• Holiday Special: Virtual Wellness Monday - Reflect, Rest, and Recharge - Happy New Year!: Monday, December 29 from 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

This month, expand your palate and join us for flavorful samplings from Lesser Evil, a fan-favorite brand offering organic, gluten-free popcorn with inventive flavors for goodness on-the-go! This tabling will be held in the café on Wednesday, December 3 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Items will be available for purchase.

The Salvation Army Angel Tree program provides gifts for hundreds of thousands of children around the country each year. For all of those who participated in Angel Tree this year, we thank you abundantly for fulfilling a child’s holiday wish and making their holiday season brighter. If you chose an Angel from the tree, please kindly remember to return them to the office by the deadline, Friday, December 5.

In honor of Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month, Premise Health will be hosting a tabling event on Tuesday, December 9 in the Exchange Café from 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. All are welcome and no registration is required!

Enjoy a variety of board games and card games guaranteed to bring light-hearted fun into your day! There will be a raffle with a prize of a new game, and snacks and refreshments will be served. We will meet in the café seating area on Tuesday, December 9 from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Please register below so we know to expect you:

Sign Up Here

Get ready to celebrate the season with us at the Holiday Market in Raleigh, hosted by All Bar None, MOSAIC, and Pride & Allies Networks! On Wednesday, December 10, stroll through a festive marketplace filled with unique treasures from talented local vendors and artisans across the RTP area from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. From holiday treats and beauty goodies to spice blends, handcrafted gifts, children’s books, and so much more - there’s something for everyone on your holiday list!

Come discover their inspiring entrepreneurial stories and show your support as they grow and thrive in our community. We can’t wait to share the holiday cheer with you. See you there!

Calling all sports fans, join us for our holiday-themed Tailgate Thursday as we celebrate hockey season! Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to celebrate your team in festive fashion. Bring your colleagues and don your favorite team's winter apparel as you play a new sports game for the Nintendo Switch, test your knowledge with fun sports trivia, and enjoy new tailgate-themed snacks! This event will occur in Alfred Escher Auditorium C on Thursday, December 11 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Space is limited, so please register below to secure your spot. Go team!

Sign Up Here

Our cafeteria continues to delight and surprise us all month long with several tasty offerings that will be available on the days listed below. Don’t miss out on the special items below from 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.:

• December 11: The Chef's Table will feature a festive, self-serve Hot Chocolate Bar where you can mix and match three delectable toppings to create your perfect cup of holiday cheer!
• December 18: The Chef Table will be hosting a "Build Your Own Snack Bag" Pop-Up, where you can fill a bag with goodies of your choice, such as M&Ms, pretzels, and more!

Who has a birthday in December and is ready to celebrate? During each month, we host a Birthday Bash, complete with cake and a cheerful rendition of "Happy Birthday" sung to all of our co-workers with birthdays within the month. Our next celebration will take place on Thursday, December 11 from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in the Bulldogs Room. Please register below to secure your spot:

Sign Up Here

No ice, no problem! Experience all the thrills of winter sports from the comfort and warmth of the indoors. Stop by during the lunch hour at your leisure to play a new game for the Nintendo Switch featuring an assortment of winter sports. Bring your colleagues, and join us on Monday, December 15 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the café seating area as you impress your friends with your skills! Please be sure to register individually below to secure your spot:

Sign Up Here

Create your own holiday magic with this playful craft session! Design a DIY snow globe that's uniquely you - whether it's whimsical, wintry, or witty. We will provide all materials as your create joyful snow globes with decorative trinkets of your choice. We will meet on Wednesday, December 17 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. in Alfred Escher Auditorium C. Please register below so we know to expect you:

Sign Up Here

While the temperature drops, the sports at Raleigh don't stop! Bring your colleagues and join us for a brand new sports game called Ladder Ball, where teams of 1-2 players toss two balls connected by a string at a set of three rungs on a ladder. We will meet in Alfred Escher Auditorium C on Wednesday, December 17 from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Please be sure to register below so we know to expect you. We can't wait to see you there!

Sign Up Here

Don't miss this opportunity to craft a beautiful, bespoke centerpiece perfect for your next holiday party! Our veteran instructor will guide you each step of the way as you create your masterpiece with all materials provided. We will meet on Thursday, December 18 in Alfred Escher Auditorium C from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Spots are limited, so please register individually by signing up below:

Sign Up Here

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 18: Fried Mini Donuts Soaked in Syrup for Hanukkah

• 12:30 p.m. class

December 19: Christmas Ham & Holiday Chutney

• 11:00 a.m. class
• 12:30 p.m. class

December 29: Steak Afrique & Sauce Yassa

• 12:30 p.m. class

December 31: Champagne Cocktails to Ring in the New Year

• 11:00 a.m. class

Use this link to view more of our virtual Cooking School classes: Cooking School

Celebrate Culture & Cuisine with Us!

This month, in partnership with MOSAIC, we’re celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas with the following themed menu items at the Café from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.:

• December 16: In celebration of Hanukkah, the Global Buffet will serve Braised Beef Brisket, Roasted Herb Chicken, Sweet Potato Tzimmes (a traditional, sweet and savory Jewish dish featuring dried fruit, sweet potatoes and carrot), Sautéed Green Beans, Herring Salad, Broccoli Salad, and Herb & Watercress Salad.
• December 22: In celebration of Kwanzaa, the Chef Table will offer Grilled Shrimp with Pili Pili Sauce (a flavorful African hot sauce) served with Southern Succotash and Baby Carrots.
• December 26: In celebration of Christmas, the Global Buffet will feature Maple Brined Roasted Chicken with Pan Gravy; Candied Sweet Potatoes; Roasted Brussels Sprouts; Parsnips & Baby Carrots; Baby Arugula served with Dried Figs, Roasted Pear, and Balsamic Vinaigrette; Wheatberry Salad with Apples, Radishes, and Sherry Vinegar; and Honey-Glazed Butternut Squash.

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

Season's Greetings & Sustainability

December is a season of celebration and a time to reflect on how our choices shape the world around us. As we wrap up the year, let’s make sustainability a part of our holiday traditions and workplace habits!

Gift-giving is a hallmark of December, but it doesn’t have to come at an environmental cost. Consider giving experiences like cooking classes or local events instead of physical items or choose locally made goods that support small businesses and reduce transportation emissions. When wrapping gifts, opt for reusable bags, recycled newspaper, or reuse paper grocery bags

Holiday meals are another opportunity to make a difference. Plan portions carefully to avoid excess, and if you do have leftovers, freeze them for later or share with neighbors. Compost vegetable scraps when possible and try sourcing ingredients from local farmers markets to support regional agriculture.

In the office, make it a goal this month to cut down on plastic goods purchased and thrown away. Bring your own mug for coffee or tea and encourage your team to do the same. Small changes like this reduce waste and help create a more sustainable workplace culture. UBS has environmental targets to meet, and we need your help to reduce the waste going to landfill from our offices!

By ending the year with mindful choices, we set the tone for a more sustainable start to 2026.

Financial Wellness

Wellness isn’t just about your body and mind—it includes your finances. Financial wellness means feeling confident about your money, making informed decisions, and planning for the future. Strong financial wellness reduces stress and increases freedom. Financial stress can affect mental and physical health, contributing to anxiety, poor sleep, and high blood pressure. By taking control of your finances, you create peace of mind and stability.

Steps to Improve Financial Wellness:

1. Track Your Spending – Budgeting is about awareness, not restriction.
2. Build an Emergency Fund – Even a small cushion of three to six months’ expenses protects against unexpected costs.
3. Manage Debt – Focus on paying off high-interest debt to reduce financial strain.
4. Invest in the Future – Regular saving for retirement or long-term goals grows over time.
5. Set Goals Aligned with Your Values – Prioritize what matters most, like travel, homeownership, or giving back.

During open enrollment, schedule a call with a financial advisor to determine which insurance plan is best for you. Getting the right coverage is a key part of financial wellness and can prevent unexpected expenses down the road. Financial wellness is a journey—small, consistent steps lead to greater confidence, lower stress, and a healthier, more balanced life.

Shining Through the Seasons: Supporting Employee Well‑Being

As the year draws to a close many of us feel the weight of balancing professional and personal commitments. The holiday season can bring joy, but it can also introduce stress, fatigue, and emotional challenges. At UBS, we recognize that mental health is just as important as financial health, and we want to provide resources and reminders to help you thrive.

One common concern during this time is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression linked to reduced daylight in the winter months. Symptoms include low energy, difficulty concentrating, and changes in mood. This experience involves a dip in motivation or well-being as the days grow shorter. There are simple, meaningful interventions you can incorporate into your day like taking breaks, staying physically active, and maintaining social connections. The holidays themselves can bring unique pressure, such as family expectations, financial planning, and the challenge of finding time for rest.

Remember to set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and ask for support from family or co-workers. We encourage you to check in with yourself and your colleagues. The significance of a small gesture is meaningful, such as sharing gratitude or offering a listening ear. Wishing you peace, balance, and renewal this season.

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., schedule online via the MyPremiseHealth portal, or by calling your dedicated health center. No cost, 30-minute mental health consults are available with Behavioral Health.

Spiffy is onsite every Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. to perform car detailing, oil and brake services at our exclusive partner pricing!