OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2007

Timeless Beauty DISCOVER TOLTEC CUSTOM HOMES

Autumn Cuisine WINE PAIRINGS FOR YOUR SEASONAL FAVORITES

The Romantic Dinner Finale’! SUMPTUOUS STRAWBERRY TIRAMISU

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Toltec Custom Homes orchestrates masterpieces for beautiful living.

Whether you own land to be built upon or you are looking for the perfect homesite to build your masterpiece, make Toltec Custom Homes part of your decision-making process.

For more information,

call 480.244.6347 or visit

www.tolteccustomhomes.com.

Greg Hammond, President

Toltec Custom Homes_________

Monica Hammond, CEO

Toltec Custom Homes

Owner/Agent

A Little About “Toltec”The Toltec were an ancient civilization of Mexico. The name in Nahuatl means “master builders.” Influenced by Teotihuacán and the Olmec culture, they were masters in the arts and architecture. The Toltec civilization was materially far advanced. They smelted metals and their stonework was highly developed.The Toltec were artists, architects and engineers far ahead of their time. Later, the Aztec people used the term “Toltec” to refer to a person who was the embodiment of great knowledge and wisdom.

A Little About Toltec Custom HomesGreg Hammond, President and Owner of Toltec Custom Homes, has over twenty years of experience in the Arizona building industry. He has assembled an outstanding team of extraordinary professionals to deliver the pinnacle in quality, material, workmanship and service to meet and exceed clients’ expectations in the custom homebuilding experience. Toltec Custom Homes prides itself in utilizing leading edge technology to expedite and enhance the building process. In the field, Toltec Custom Homes has all information concerning each project on hand through the Build Links technology; plans, blueprints, schedules, projections, progress photos, contracts, contacts etc. are all accessible through a password protected web-based management and communication system. Since Toltec Custom Homes’ field personnel are armed with wireless PC technology, this allows access to important information at all times to keep the projects moving; any time, anywhere. It is both art and science in the building of a home that is both aesthetically beautiful and functionally practical, and Toltec Custom Homes embraces both aspects.

A Little About How Toltec’s Knowledge Can Help You…Not only can Toltec Custom Homes create the home of your dreams, but their extensive knowledge of land/lots in affluent areas, and their real estate expertise is at your disposal.Monica Hammond, CEO of Toltec Custom Homes and a licensed Realtor®, can aid you in locating and purchasing your ideal home site.With years of experience in the custom home building industry, there’s added value in utilizing their services in your land acquisition endeavor…value that can save you a lot of time, frustration, and money.With an eye towards the final product in mind, Toltec Custom Homes can address many important issues often not considered during the lot selection process. While views and vegetation are important, there are many other issues that can impact the home building process such as zoning (Environmentally Sensitive Land Ordinances, height restrictions, etc.), topography (washes cfs, elevation changes, etc.), soil condition (expansive soils, hard rock, etc.), site engineering (compaction, grading, drainage, etc.), lot/site preparation (excavation, retaining walls, etc.), and Home Owners Associations (CC&Rs, Architectural Committees, Design Review, etc) all of which can impact (1) the design/orientation of the house, (2) the landscape design and species of vegetation allowed, and ultimately (3) your cost for the homebuilding project.Before launching your search for the perfect home site, contact Monica Hammond at 480-244-6347. Simplify your search and save time, frustration, and money. It doesn’t cost you a penny to access this specialized service.

The romantic ‘Old World’ dining room on the cover was carefully orchestrated by Toltec Custom Homes.

Integral to achieving the timeless beauty of this room is the use of natu-ral materials. If you look carefully you will see the rustic, yet elegant wooden floor that captures a certain character that transports you to another time and place. Each plank was individually laid in its unfinished natural state. After the planks were laid, the reclaimed wormy oak floor was stained and sealed to become the foundation for this quietly spectacular space.

Majestically embracing the room above are the beams on the cathedral ceiling which are rough hewn wood. Again, the beams were set in a natural unfinished state and were later stained and thrice blasted to infuse the room with a warm and intimate atmosphere.

Because stone or brick would have been too overpowering, burnt adobe pavers were set between the wooden beams on the ceiling to further en-hance the dreamy Old World feel.

The elegant commanding column in the foreground is of natural cantera stone imported from Mexico. Handcarved, enhanced and sealed, the natural stone offers a beauty unattainable with fabricated materials.

To take advantage of the enviable climate in Arizona, two sets of multi-paned French doors encompass the entire east facing wall and open the room to a cozy pavered courtyard for a carefree indoor/outdoor dining experience.

Finishes in every room are important, and in this room the stately, refined wrought-iron chandeliers and sconces gracefully accent with a regal touch.

To complete the look, All About Interiors designed and hung luxurious draperies framing the French doors and Dianna Sever, Director of Interior Design for DesignSource Furniture, customized the grand dining ensem-ble. Greg Yodis of Paramount Interiors, Inc. adorned the table with a silk and dried flower creation. Toltec Custom Homes President and Owner Greg Hammond has a

passion for creating — creating culinary masterpieces as well as architectural masterpieces! His savory hobby has him sampling recipes from the complex and exotic to the simple and traditional. It seems perfect to share in this issue since the history of tiramisu lies in the “Old World” (Italy).

The Right Wine For Your Fall CuisineGlorious autumn is here and along with the cooler weather and busy social calendars, many of us anticipate the delicious flavors associated with traditional fall dishes. From hearty stews and braised meats, to butternut squash and cornbread stuffing, foods of this nature pair well with a wine that is substantial enough to support the dish. When choosing a wine for a fall

meal, complementing aromas, textures and dominant flavors are important.

Rich sauces and piping-hot meals are in order this time of the year. For a dinner of herb-roasted lamb and braised root vegetables, a full-bodied wine is a must. Choose a Malbec with aromas of full, dark, ripe fruit or a plush and round Syrah. Both of these rich and luscious varietals offer a substantial flavor profile to pair nicely with foods such as this.

The Thanksgiving meal itself can pose a complex issue regarding the best wines to accompany it. There’s white meat and dark meat. There are sweet and rich yams, savory stuffing, tart cranberry sauce, buttery rolls and spicy pumpkin pie. Because there is such a variety of foods and flavors, choosing a single wine with dinner can be difficult. Avoid the typical Chardonnay and Cabernet as they truly aren’t the best choice.

By definition, a Chardonnay is fat, buttery, and rich. But those delicious qualities can make it too overpowering. For this big meal look to wines that will refresh the palate, not weigh it down. As for a Cabernet, it is generally too heavy and high in tannins to match well with the turkey.

If you’d prefer to serve a white wine, try those that are fruity, light and refreshing. A Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc or even Chenin Blanc is nice. Many people enjoy a clean and crisp Riesling because it seems to complement the sugars in the main and side dishes.

A favorite red to serve with Thanksgiving is a Pinot Noir. It’s a medium- bodied wine, but still rich enough to stand up to the meal. It is fruity and sometimes even smoky and won’t overpower the nuances of the lighter dishes.

1 1/4 cups strawberry preserves1/3 cup plus 4 tablespoons orange liqueur1/3 cup orange juice1 lb. mascarpone cheese (room temperature)1 1/3 cups chilled whipping cream1/3 cup sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a 2-cup measuring cup, whisk strawberry preserves, 1/3 cup of orange liqueur, orange juice and set aside. In a large bowl, fold together the mascarpone cheese and 2 tablespoons orange liqueur. In another bowl place cream, sugar, vanilla and 2 tablespoons orange liqueur. Use an electric mixer and beat to soft peaks. In the bowl with the cheese mixture stir in 1/4 of whipped cream mixture, and then fold in the remain-ing whipped cream mixture.

Cigar Dinner Series. Remington’s Restaurant & Lounge, October 9th. 480.951.5101 or www.scottsdaleplaza.com. This fall marks the 12th season of the highly-anticipated Fall Cigar Dinner Series. This gourmet event features five courses of American and International culinary creations from Executive Chef John Cruz, along with a wine and cigar pairing for each course. Wine experts and cigar aficionados narrate throughout the evening with educational and informational discussions. The series continues monthly through May with a unique theme and menu created each month.

Heard Museum Film Festival. Heard Museum, October 12th-14th. 602.252.8848 or www.heard.org. The Heard Museum Film Festival offers a must-see line-up of original and award-winning films by and about indigenous peoples around the globe. Unique among film festivals, this year’s offerings meld art, culture and innovation in an unparalleled, thought-provoking experience. Feature presentation includes Four Sheets to the Wind with Tamara Podemski, who won the Special Jury Prize at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival for the role.

Friday Evening Concert Series. The Borgata, October 19th and 26th. 602.953.6311 or www.borgata.com. Enjoy music, dining and upscale shopping all in one location at The Borgata. These Friday evening concerts are scheduled for every week through April. On October 19th, enjoy The Scones performing rock n’ roll and on October 26th, Doc & Gal entertain with blues, funk and R&B. Sit back, enjoy a glass of wine and start your weekend right!

Scottsdale Fashion Week. Scottsdale Waterfront & SouthBridge, November 1st- 4th. 480.664.3311 or www.scottsdalefashionweek.com. Calling all fashionistas! This multi-day and multi-event extravaganza includes fashion shows on an 85-foot runway, live music, VIP lounges, a hat fashion show brunch, an art walk, a luxury pavilion and is highlighted by a ticketed Grand Gala on the evening of the 3rd. Honor the 100th anniversary of Neiman Marcus and be a part of this celebration of fashion, beauty, health and fine living.

Heart Ball. The Phoenician, November 17th. 602.414.5333 or www.phoenixheartball.org. Put on your ball gown or tuxedo and celebrate 48 years of excellence at the Valley’s premier social event, the Heart Ball. Mingle with some of Phoenix’s finest as you partake in a wonderful evening while supporting an important cause: the American Heart Association. As the single most successful fundraising event for the AHA, the Heart Ball raises funds to support community and professional education programs and research.

Behind the Scenes Tour. Taliesin West, November 21st. 480.860.2700 or www.franklloydwright.org. If you’re interested in an in-depth, intimate look at Taliesin West, this exclusive experience is a must. A highlight of this tour is a stop in the colorful Taliesin Fellowship dining room where you’ll be treated to mid-morning “tea.” You’ll also have the opportunity to talk with Wright associates. In addition to seeing all the places on the Insights Tour, you’ll take a walk to the historic Sun Cottage or another unique desert site—all with ample time to take photographs and ask questions.

52 crisp lady fingers1 1/2 lbs strawberries, divided

Hull and slice 26 strawberries. In a 13x9x2 inch glass dish, spread 1/2 cup preserve mixture. Arrange enough ladyfingers to cover bottom of dish. Spoon 3/4 cup preserve mixture over ladyfingers, then spread 2 1/2 cups mascar-pone mixture. Over this arrange 2 cups sliced strawberries. Repeat layering with remaining ladyfingers, preserve mixture and mascarpone mixture. Cover with plastic and chill at least 8 hours or overnight. Slice remaining strawberries and arrange over tiramisu and serve.

Sumptuous Strawberry Tiramisu

The romantic ‘Old World’ dining room on the cover was carefully orchestrated by Toltec Custom Homes.

Integral to achieving the timeless beauty of this room is the use of natu-ral materials. If you look carefully you will see the rustic, yet elegant wooden floor that captures a certain character that transports you to another time and place. Each plank was individually laid in its unfinished natural state. After the planks were laid, the reclaimed wormy oak floor was stained and sealed to become the foundation for this quietly spectacular space.

Majestically embracing the room above are the beams on the cathedral ceiling which are rough hewn wood. Again, the beams were set in a natural unfinished state and were later stained and thrice blasted to infuse the room with a warm and intimate atmosphere.

Because stone or brick would have been too overpowering, burnt adobe pavers were set between the wooden beams on the ceiling to further en-hance the dreamy Old World feel.

The elegant commanding column in the foreground is of natural cantera stone imported from Mexico. Handcarved, enhanced and sealed, the natural stone offers a beauty unattainable with fabricated materials.

To take advantage of the enviable climate in Arizona, two sets of multi-paned French doors encompass the entire east facing wall and open the room to a cozy pavered courtyard for a carefree indoor/outdoor dining experience.

Finishes in every room are important, and in this room the stately, refined wrought-iron chandeliers and sconces gracefully accent with a regal touch.

To complete the look, All About Interiors designed and hung luxurious draperies framing the French doors and Dianna Sever, Director of Interior Design for DesignSource Furniture, customized the grand dining ensem-ble. Greg Yodis of Paramount Interiors, Inc. adorned the table with a silk and dried flower creation. Toltec Custom Homes President and Owner Greg Hammond has a

passion for creating — creating culinary masterpieces as well as architectural masterpieces! His savory hobby has him sampling recipes from the complex and exotic to the simple and traditional. It seems perfect to share in this issue since the history of tiramisu lies in the “Old World” (Italy).

The Right Wine For Your Fall CuisineGlorious autumn is here and along with the cooler weather and busy social calendars, many of us anticipate the delicious flavors associated with traditional fall dishes. From hearty stews and braised meats, to butternut squash and cornbread stuffing, foods of this nature pair well with a wine that is substantial enough to support the dish. When choosing a wine for a fall

meal, complementing aromas, textures and dominant flavors are important.

Rich sauces and piping-hot meals are in order this time of the year. For a dinner of herb-roasted lamb and braised root vegetables, a full-bodied wine is a must. Choose a Malbec with aromas of full, dark, ripe fruit or a plush and round Syrah. Both of these rich and luscious varietals offer a substantial flavor profile to pair nicely with foods such as this.

The Thanksgiving meal itself can pose a complex issue regarding the best wines to accompany it. There’s white meat and dark meat. There are sweet and rich yams, savory stuffing, tart cranberry sauce, buttery rolls and spicy pumpkin pie. Because there is such a variety of foods and flavors, choosing a single wine with dinner can be difficult. Avoid the typical Chardonnay and Cabernet as they truly aren’t the best choice.

By definition, a Chardonnay is fat, buttery, and rich. But those delicious qualities can make it too overpowering. For this big meal look to wines that will refresh the palate, not weigh it down. As for a Cabernet, it is generally too heavy and high in tannins to match well with the turkey.

If you’d prefer to serve a white wine, try those that are fruity, light and refreshing. A Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc or even Chenin Blanc is nice. Many people enjoy a clean and crisp Riesling because it seems to complement the sugars in the main and side dishes.

A favorite red to serve with Thanksgiving is a Pinot Noir. It’s a medium- bodied wine, but still rich enough to stand up to the meal. It is fruity and sometimes even smoky and won’t overpower the nuances of the lighter dishes.

1 1/4 cups strawberry preserves1/3 cup plus 4 tablespoons orange liqueur1/3 cup orange juice1 lb. mascarpone cheese (room temperature)1 1/3 cups chilled whipping cream1/3 cup sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a 2-cup measuring cup, whisk strawberry preserves, 1/3 cup of orange liqueur, orange juice and set aside. In a large bowl, fold together the mascarpone cheese and 2 tablespoons orange liqueur. In another bowl place cream, sugar, vanilla and 2 tablespoons orange liqueur. Use an electric mixer and beat to soft peaks. In the bowl with the cheese mixture stir in 1/4 of whipped cream mixture, and then fold in the remain-ing whipped cream mixture.

Cigar Dinner Series. Remington’s Restaurant & Lounge, October 9th. 480.951.5101 or www.scottsdaleplaza.com. This fall marks the 12th season of the highly-anticipated Fall Cigar Dinner Series. This gourmet event features five courses of American and International culinary creations from Executive Chef John Cruz, along with a wine and cigar pairing for each course. Wine experts and cigar aficionados narrate throughout the evening with educational and informational discussions. The series continues monthly through May with a unique theme and menu created each month.

Heard Museum Film Festival. Heard Museum, October 12th-14th. 602.252.8848 or www.heard.org. The Heard Museum Film Festival offers a must-see line-up of original and award-winning films by and about indigenous peoples around the globe. Unique among film festivals, this year’s offerings meld art, culture and innovation in an unparalleled, thought-provoking experience. Feature presentation includes Four Sheets to the Wind with Tamara Podemski, who won the Special Jury Prize at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival for the role.

Friday Evening Concert Series. The Borgata, October 19th and 26th. 602.953.6311 or www.borgata.com. Enjoy music, dining and upscale shopping all in one location at The Borgata. These Friday evening concerts are scheduled for every week through April. On October 19th, enjoy The Scones performing rock n’ roll and on October 26th, Doc & Gal entertain with blues, funk and R&B. Sit back, enjoy a glass of wine and start your weekend right!

Scottsdale Fashion Week. Scottsdale Waterfront & SouthBridge, November 1st- 4th. 480.664.3311 or www.scottsdalefashionweek.com. Calling all fashionistas! This multi-day and multi-event extravaganza includes fashion shows on an 85-foot runway, live music, VIP lounges, a hat fashion show brunch, an art walk, a luxury pavilion and is highlighted by a ticketed Grand Gala on the evening of the 3rd. Honor the 100th anniversary of Neiman Marcus and be a part of this celebration of fashion, beauty, health and fine living.

Heart Ball. The Phoenician, November 17th. 602.414.5333 or www.phoenixheartball.org. Put on your ball gown or tuxedo and celebrate 48 years of excellence at the Valley’s premier social event, the Heart Ball. Mingle with some of Phoenix’s finest as you partake in a wonderful evening while supporting an important cause: the American Heart Association. As the single most successful fundraising event for the AHA, the Heart Ball raises funds to support community and professional education programs and research.

Behind the Scenes Tour. Taliesin West, November 21st. 480.860.2700 or www.franklloydwright.org. If you’re interested in an in-depth, intimate look at Taliesin West, this exclusive experience is a must. A highlight of this tour is a stop in the colorful Taliesin Fellowship dining room where you’ll be treated to mid-morning “tea.” You’ll also have the opportunity to talk with Wright associates. In addition to seeing all the places on the Insights Tour, you’ll take a walk to the historic Sun Cottage or another unique desert site—all with ample time to take photographs and ask questions.

52 crisp lady fingers1 1/2 lbs strawberries, divided

Hull and slice 26 strawberries. In a 13x9x2 inch glass dish, spread 1/2 cup preserve mixture. Arrange enough ladyfingers to cover bottom of dish. Spoon 3/4 cup preserve mixture over ladyfingers, then spread 2 1/2 cups mascar-pone mixture. Over this arrange 2 cups sliced strawberries. Repeat layering with remaining ladyfingers, preserve mixture and mascarpone mixture. Cover with plastic and chill at least 8 hours or overnight. Slice remaining strawberries and arrange over tiramisu and serve.

Sumptuous Strawberry Tiramisu

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2007

Timeless Beauty DISCOVER TOLTEC CUSTOM HOMES

Autumn Cuisine WINE PAIRINGS FOR YOUR SEASONAL FAVORITES

The Romantic Dinner Finale’! SUMPTUOUS STRAWBERRY TIRAMISU

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Toltec Custom Homes orchestrates masterpieces for beautiful living.

Whether you own land to be built upon or you are looking for the perfect homesite to build your masterpiece, make Toltec Custom Homes part of your decision-making process.

For more information,

call 480.244.6347 or visit

www.tolteccustomhomes.com.

Greg Hammond, President

Toltec Custom Homes_________

Monica Hammond, CEO

Toltec Custom Homes

Owner/Agent

A Little About “Toltec”The Toltec were an ancient civilization of Mexico. The name in Nahuatl means “master builders.” Influenced by Teotihuacán and the Olmec culture, they were masters in the arts and architecture. The Toltec civilization was materially far advanced. They smelted metals and their stonework was highly developed.The Toltec were artists, architects and engineers far ahead of their time. Later, the Aztec people used the term “Toltec” to refer to a person who was the embodiment of great knowledge and wisdom.

A Little About Toltec Custom HomesGreg Hammond, President and Owner of Toltec Custom Homes, has over twenty years of experience in the Arizona building industry. He has assembled an outstanding team of extraordinary professionals to deliver the pinnacle in quality, material, workmanship and service to meet and exceed clients’ expectations in the custom homebuilding experience. Toltec Custom Homes prides itself in utilizing leading edge technology to expedite and enhance the building process. In the field, Toltec Custom Homes has all information concerning each project on hand through the Build Links technology; plans, blueprints, schedules, projections, progress photos, contracts, contacts etc. are all accessible through a password protected web-based management and communication system. Since Toltec Custom Homes’ field personnel are armed with wireless PC technology, this allows access to important information at all times to keep the projects moving; any time, anywhere. It is both art and science in the building of a home that is both aesthetically beautiful and functionally practical, and Toltec Custom Homes embraces both aspects.

A Little About How Toltec’s Knowledge Can Help You…Not only can Toltec Custom Homes create the home of your dreams, but their extensive knowledge of land/lots in affluent areas, and their real estate expertise is at your disposal.Monica Hammond, CEO of Toltec Custom Homes and a licensed Realtor®, can aid you in locating and purchasing your ideal home site.With years of experience in the custom home building industry, there’s added value in utilizing their services in your land acquisition endeavor…value that can save you a lot of time, frustration, and money.With an eye towards the final product in mind, Toltec Custom Homes can address many important issues often not considered during the lot selection process. While views and vegetation are important, there are many other issues that can impact the home building process such as zoning (Environmentally Sensitive Land Ordinances, height restrictions, etc.), topography (washes cfs, elevation changes, etc.), soil condition (expansive soils, hard rock, etc.), site engineering (compaction, grading, drainage, etc.), lot/site preparation (excavation, retaining walls, etc.), and Home Owners Associations (CC&Rs, Architectural Committees, Design Review, etc) all of which can impact (1) the design/orientation of the house, (2) the landscape design and species of vegetation allowed, and ultimately (3) your cost for the homebuilding project.Before launching your search for the perfect home site, contact Monica Hammond at 480-244-6347. Simplify your search and save time, frustration, and money. It doesn’t cost you a penny to access this specialized service.