During the colder months, I find myself craving comfort food. This creamy salmon recipe shows you an easy way to add richness to your cooking by adding one ingredient. During warmer months, you could easily substitute the cream with a lighter cooking liquid, such as fish stock, vegetable broth, or white wine.

Salmon Baked in Herbs & Cream 

Serves 4

1 tbsp(15 ml) olive oil or melted butter
¾ cup (177 ml) heavy cream
4 - 6 bay leaves and/or thyme sprigs
½ lemon, for zest and juice Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 6-ounce (170 grams) salmon fillets

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F (204° C). Prepare a baking dish just large enough to snugly fit salmon fillets in a single layer; lightly oil baking dish and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine cream, herbs, and a strip of citrus zest and squeeze of juice; add to baking dish. Season fish and add to baking dish, gently flipping each fillet to coat evenly.
3. Transfer fish to oven and cook until flaking apart easily and opaque throughout, about 10 - 15 minutes (thinner pieces cook more quickly, thicker need more time).

Nothing says comfort to me up on a cold day like an ooey, gooey grilled cheese. I use a flavorful cheddar and mozzarella for the balance of flavor and cheese stretchiness. Pair this with a cup of soup, tomato being my favorite, and it warms me up better than a blanket can!

Classic Grilled Cheese
Serves 1

2 slices sourdough bread
2 tbsp (30g) salted butter
1/3 cup (79 ml) sharp cheddar cheese (Beecher’s Cheddar is my favorite)
1/3 cup (79 ml) mozzarella, freshly shredded

Instructions:

1. Slather both sides of each piece of bread with the butter (yes, all 4 sides!).
2. Heat a heavy-based skillet or frying pan over medium-low heat. Place both pieces of bread in the skillet and lightly toast for 1 minute to warm it through and create a light crust
3. Flip one slice of bread, then pile on the cheddar cheese followed by the mozzarella. Place the other slice of bread on top, with the hot toasted side in contact with the cheese.
4. Cook for 3 minutes or until the bread is evenly golden and crisp, pressing down lightly with a spatula periodically. If it's browning too quickly, remove from the stove to cool down and lower heat.
5. Turn the sandwich over and cook the other side for 3 minutes or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
6. Transfer to cutting board. Cut in half in one swift motion. Cut into triangles if you want to feel like an adult, or rectangles if you want to connect with your inner child!

Group exercise classes are a fun and exciting way to reach your fitness goals and are included with the current complimentary gym membership. Some of the diverse class offerings available include Strength and Conditioning, Yoga, Yogalates, Pilates, Indoor Cycling, Body Weight Tabata, HIIT, Strength and Muscle Endurance and Calisthenics. For more information on any of these classes, please email [email protected].

For those who are always on the lookout for a great cup of joe, be sure to join us this month as a different coffee provider will be featured each week at the Coffee Bar. La Colombe, Parlor Coffee, Lavazza and Change Please will each be competing to become the new coffee brand at the Coffee Bar. Be sure to stop by each week starting on Monday, February 3rd between 7:00 a.m. –  4:30 p.m. to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee and to decide which coffee provider should reign supreme! The dates for each vendor are below:

• La Colombe, February 3 – 7
• Parlor Coffee, February 10 - 14
• Change Please, February 18 - 21
• Lavazza, February 24 - 28

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, our cafeteria is hosting a special pre-order sale featuring chocolate-dipped strawberries and red velvet cupcakes! Orders need to be placed by Friday, February 7^th for pickup on Friday, February 14^th at the coffee bar between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. To place your order, please visit the café to complete a pre-order sheet. The items and their prices are below:

• Box of 6 Assorted Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: $14.50
• Box of 2 Red Velvet Cupcakes: $6.65

In honor of Black History Month, MOSAIC is collaborating with our cafeteria on several special offerings that will be available at the Chef’s Table each Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

• February 4^th: Featured recipe from Chef Leah Chase

• Shrimp & Andouille Gumbo served with White Rice  

• February 11^th: Featured recipe from Chef Jerome Grant  

• “Son of a Gun” Stew - Braised Short Ribs, Turnips, Corn, Potato, Sundried Tomato, Barley

• February 18^th: Featured recipe from Chef Kwame Onwuachi

• Braised Ox Tails served with Coconut Rice

• February 25^th: Featured recipe from Chef Jerome Grant

• Hickory Smoked BBQ Chicken served with Corn Pudding and Fried Okra

February 6^th: Super Bowl Pop-Up – Chicken Wings

• Chef Table: 4 chicken wings with your choice of sauce (BBQ, Buffalo, or Mojo)

February 12^th: Warm Cookie Pop-Up

• Coffee Bar: Chocolate chip or white chocolate chip macadamia served warm. Option to serve a la mode with vanilla or chocolate ice cream

February 19^th: Samosa Pop-Up

• Chef Table: One large samosa with choice of toppings including cilantro chutney, mango chutney, tamarind chutney, mint raita

February 26^th: Loaded House Made Chips Pop-Up

• Chef Table: Fully loaded warm house made kettle chips topped with cheese sauce, beef chili, diced onions, spicy pickled peppers

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, join us for an exquisite afternoon of champagne tasting accompanied by delicious chocolate dipped strawberries! Feel your cares melt away as you find your new favorite aperitif and learn more about the world of champagne in Hawk’s Nest A on Tuesday, February 11^th, from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Our “sip” events always sell out quickly, so be sure to register now! We can’t wait to see you there.

Registration: 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:

• February 10^th: Fred Opie’s Shrimp, Rice, & Peanut Skillet (in honor of Black History Month)
• February 14^th: Molten Chocolate Cake & Fudge Sauce
• February 19^th: Chicken Mole with Salsa Macha
• February 21^st: Cheesy Broccoli or Cauli Gratin: Fan Favorite Side
• February 28^th: Whole Roasted Chicken How-To-Guide

Teams of 2 – 4 employees will compete to see who can complete an exciting UBS-themed Scavenger Hunt the fastest for a prize! Join us for a fun adventure guaranteed to spark your creative spirit and familiarize yourself with all that Lincoln Harbor has to offer! This event will take place on Thursday, February 20^th from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. where we will meet in Hawk’s Nest B. Please be sure to have each member of the team register individually using the link below.

Registration: Sign Up Here

6 Steps To Heart-Healthy Fitness Success

February is American Heart Month, an important time to remember the importance of heart health. Regular physical activity is vital for cardiovascular strength. Whether you're starting fresh or recommitting to fitness, building a strong foundation is key. Here are six steps to help create lasting habits for a healthier heart.

1. Find Your “Why”: Connecting your fitness routine to meaningful personal goals transforms exercise from a chore into a passion. Whether it's improving your heart health, setting an example for loved ones, or simply feeling more energized, your "why" will keep you motivated, even when challenges arise.
2. Start Small: Big changes can feel overwhelming, so begin with bite-sized goals. If you're new to exercise, a 10-minute walk or a few stretches are perfect starting points. Small, consistent efforts build momentum and confidence over time.
3. Focus on Form: Safety first! Learning proper technique prevents injuries and ensures you get the most from your workouts. Whether you're lifting weights, running, or practicing yoga, take the time to master the basics before increasing intensity.
4. Be Patient: True progress takes time. Give your body and mind the space to adapt to new habits. Celebrate small victories, knowing that lasting change is a journey, not a quick fix.
5. Track Your Progress: Keeping a fitness journal is a powerful tool for staying on track. Document your workouts, energy levels, and mood, and celebrate how far you’ve come to reveal patterns and keep you motivated as you see tangible results.
6. Seek Support: Consider working with a trainer for expert guidance or join a group class or fitness club to stay accountable and make exercise enjoyable. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people can help you stay committed to your goals.

February is here, and it's the perfect time to chat about something close to our hearts—sustainability! Think of it as keeping our economic growth, environmental health, and social well-being all balanced and happy! Plus, it’s a great way to beat the winter blues by doing something positive for our planet. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, let’s show some love to Mother Earth! Here at UBS, we're diving into reducing our carbon footprint and embracing eco-friendly practices. From energy-efficient technologies to recycling like pros, every bit counts toward a greener future. It's not just about big changes; even small actions can make a huge difference.

Winter Sustainability Tips:

• Bundle Up: Cozy up with warm blankets and sweaters instead of cranking up the heat.
• Seal It Tight: Check for drafts and seal windows and doors to save energy.
• Smart Thermostat: Use a programmable thermostat to optimize heating schedules.
• Eco-friendly Décor: Decorate with sustainable or upcycled items.
• Energy-Efficient Lighting: Swap out old bulbs for LEDs.
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Use reusable shopping bags, recycle diligently, and reduce waste.

Let's jump into the sustainability game and create a bright, green future together! Remember, every small step we take adds up to a giant leap for our planet. This February, let’s make sustainability our Valentine and give Earth a little extra love!