MAY 2007
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. Custom estate residences with fine appointments starting from $210 per square foot. For more information, call 480.244.6347 or visit www.tolteccustomhomes.com.
Old World Elegance Awaits You! New Construction ~ 7,627 S.F. ~ Near Mayo Clinic ~ 11601 N. 132nd Place, Scottsdale, 85259
This elegant 7,627 square foot estate home is privately tucked away in the exclusive luxury gated community of Rancho Terrasina in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains. On the northeast corner of 132nd St. & Via Linda, it affords spectacular city light and mountain views. Fine appointments and tasteful grandeur include Versaille pattern Noche travertine flooring, Golden Crystal granite countertops throughout and natural stone cantera columns and fireplaces. Complete with a basement theater, walk-in wine room, butler’s pantry, gourmet chef’s kitchen, luxurious master suite, den suite, garages for four cars and pool with spa.
Greg Hammond, President Toltec Custom Homes _________ Monica Hammond, CEO Toltec Custom Homes Owner/Agent
Another Masterpiece by Toltec Custom Homes Monica Hammond, Owner/Agent On Lock Box MLS #2658720, or call for inside access: 480.244.6347
Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996
Timeless Beauty
DISCOVER TOLTEC CUSTOM HOMES
Old World Elegance Awaits You... FIND OUT WHERE!
The Romantic Dinner Finale’! SUMPTUOUS STRAWBERRY TIRAMISU
If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
The Full Monty. Broadway Palm Dinner Theater, through May. 480.325.6700 or www.broadwaypalmwest.com. The Full Monty is Broadway’s smash-hit musical comedy about six good buddies whose desperate plan to get their lives back together requires them to triumph over their fears, their nerves...and their clothes! Based on the popular film, this crowd-pleasing musical was nominated for ten Tony Awards including Best Musical and features an exhilarating pop score. Cinco de Mayo Festival. El Pedregal at The Boulders Resort, May 5th. 480.488.1072 or www.elpedregal.com. Start your Cinco de Mayo celebrations early with a lunch-time festival in The Plaza. Enjoy the Mariachi band, a salsa challenge, tequila tasting, a traditional blessing of the animals and a delicious Mexican food buffet.
A Little About “Toltec”
Arizona Rattlers vs. Austin Wranglers. US Airways Center, May 12th. 602.379.2320 or www.azrattlers.com. If you’re an Arena Football League fan or simply crossing off the days on your calendar until NFL pre-season, treat yourself to a Rattlers game. Full of excitement and contagious energy, arena football games may be unlike any sporting event you’ve seen. While you’re there, take in the Sidewinders Dance Team and encourage your littlest fans to join the Rattlers Kids Club.
The Toltec were artists, architects and engineers far ahead of their time.
That Thursday Thing! Downtown Glendale, May 17th. 623.930.4500 or www. visitglendale.com. Spend an evening filled with live entertainment, free horse-drawn carriage rides, fun giveaways, henna art and much more! Ollie the Trolley will provide free trolley rides and a guided history tour throughout Old Towne. Take advantage of extended shopping hours at many of the antique stores, boutiques and specialty shops as well as delicious food and beverage specials at area restaurants. Night Run for the Arts. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, May 19th 480.874.4620 or www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org. As the Valley’s premier evening race, the Night Run for the Arts is a fun, family-friendly event that welcomes people of all ages and abilities. Highlights include the 8K Run through downtown Scottsdale, the 3-Mile Fun Walk/Run, the 1-Mile Fun Run and the Art Stroll, a docent-guided walking tour of the sculptures on the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall. Participants enjoy live entertainment throughout the route and the event culminates with an outdoor party featuring music and an awards ceremony. Paradise Valley Jazz Party. Scottsdale Plaza Resort, May 26th-27th. 480.948.7993 or www.paradisevalleyjazz.com. 2007 marks the 30th year for this annual event. Your weekend badge or individual session ticket is for reserved cabaret-style seating in an acoustically perfect room. Some of the most exciting musicians in the jazz world will perform a variety of jazz from straight-ahead jazz to a bit of blues. There’ll be some New Orleans jazz, some Count Basie music and a little Latin jazz with some surprises mixed in.
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.
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 Homes
Greg 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. Because communication is the key to ensuring a smooth homebuilding experience that is both exciting and enjoyable, the approach with each project is to listen very carefully to clearly understand needs and expectations of the clients, to explain each phase (both before it occurs and while in progress) and to be extremely accessible during the entire process. Constant, consistent, clear communication is recognized as invaluable and is exercised by all members of the team that is the Toltec Custom Homes’ circle of excellence.
52 crisp lady fingers 1 1/2 lbs strawberries, divided
Sumptuous Strawberry Tiramisu 1 1/4 cups strawberry preserves 1/3 cup plus 4 tablespoons orange liqueur 1/3 cup orange juice 1 lb. mascarpone cheese (room temperature) 1 1/3 cups chilled whipping cream 1/3 cup sugar 1 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 remaining whipped cream mixture.
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 mascarpone 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.
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. This creation was on Greg’s menu this year for his family Easter celebration. It seems perfect to share in this issue since the history of tiramisu lies in the “Old World” (Italy).
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 natural 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 enhance 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 ensemble. Greg Yodis of Paramount Interiors, Inc. adorned the table with a silk and dried flower creation.
The Full Monty. Broadway Palm Dinner Theater, through May. 480.325.6700 or www.broadwaypalmwest.com. The Full Monty is Broadway’s smash-hit musical comedy about six good buddies whose desperate plan to get their lives back together requires them to triumph over their fears, their nerves...and their clothes! Based on the popular film, this crowd-pleasing musical was nominated for ten Tony Awards including Best Musical and features an exhilarating pop score. Cinco de Mayo Festival. El Pedregal at The Boulders Resort, May 5th. 480.488.1072 or www.elpedregal.com. Start your Cinco de Mayo celebrations early with a lunch-time festival in The Plaza. Enjoy the Mariachi band, a salsa challenge, tequila tasting, a traditional blessing of the animals and a delicious Mexican food buffet.
A Little About “Toltec”
Arizona Rattlers vs. Austin Wranglers. US Airways Center, May 12th. 602.379.2320 or www.azrattlers.com. If you’re an Arena Football League fan or simply crossing off the days on your calendar until NFL pre-season, treat yourself to a Rattlers game. Full of excitement and contagious energy, arena football games may be unlike any sporting event you’ve seen. While you’re there, take in the Sidewinders Dance Team and encourage your littlest fans to join the Rattlers Kids Club.
The Toltec were artists, architects and engineers far ahead of their time.
That Thursday Thing! Downtown Glendale, May 17th. 623.930.4500 or www. visitglendale.com. Spend an evening filled with live entertainment, free horse-drawn carriage rides, fun giveaways, henna art and much more! Ollie the Trolley will provide free trolley rides and a guided history tour throughout Old Towne. Take advantage of extended shopping hours at many of the antique stores, boutiques and specialty shops as well as delicious food and beverage specials at area restaurants. Night Run for the Arts. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, May 19th 480.874.4620 or www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org. As the Valley’s premier evening race, the Night Run for the Arts is a fun, family-friendly event that welcomes people of all ages and abilities. Highlights include the 8K Run through downtown Scottsdale, the 3-Mile Fun Walk/Run, the 1-Mile Fun Run and the Art Stroll, a docent-guided walking tour of the sculptures on the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall. Participants enjoy live entertainment throughout the route and the event culminates with an outdoor party featuring music and an awards ceremony. Paradise Valley Jazz Party. Scottsdale Plaza Resort, May 26th-27th. 480.948.7993 or www.paradisevalleyjazz.com. 2007 marks the 30th year for this annual event. Your weekend badge or individual session ticket is for reserved cabaret-style seating in an acoustically perfect room. Some of the most exciting musicians in the jazz world will perform a variety of jazz from straight-ahead jazz to a bit of blues. There’ll be some New Orleans jazz, some Count Basie music and a little Latin jazz with some surprises mixed in.
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.
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 Homes
Greg 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. Because communication is the key to ensuring a smooth homebuilding experience that is both exciting and enjoyable, the approach with each project is to listen very carefully to clearly understand needs and expectations of the clients, to explain each phase (both before it occurs and while in progress) and to be extremely accessible during the entire process. Constant, consistent, clear communication is recognized as invaluable and is exercised by all members of the team that is the Toltec Custom Homes’ circle of excellence.
52 crisp lady fingers 1 1/2 lbs strawberries, divided
Sumptuous Strawberry Tiramisu 1 1/4 cups strawberry preserves 1/3 cup plus 4 tablespoons orange liqueur 1/3 cup orange juice 1 lb. mascarpone cheese (room temperature) 1 1/3 cups chilled whipping cream 1/3 cup sugar 1 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 remaining whipped cream mixture.
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 mascarpone 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.
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. This creation was on Greg’s menu this year for his family Easter celebration. It seems perfect to share in this issue since the history of tiramisu lies in the “Old World” (Italy).
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 natural 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 enhance 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 ensemble. Greg Yodis of Paramount Interiors, Inc. adorned the table with a silk and dried flower creation.
MAY 2007
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. Custom estate residences with fine appointments starting from $210 per square foot. For more information, call 480.244.6347 or visit www.tolteccustomhomes.com.
Old World Elegance Awaits You! New Construction ~ 7,627 S.F. ~ Near Mayo Clinic ~ 11601 N. 132nd Place, Scottsdale, 85259
This elegant 7,627 square foot estate home is privately tucked away in the exclusive luxury gated community of Rancho Terrasina in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains. On the northeast corner of 132nd St. & Via Linda, it affords spectacular city light and mountain views. Fine appointments and tasteful grandeur include Versaille pattern Noche travertine flooring, Golden Crystal granite countertops throughout and natural stone cantera columns and fireplaces. Complete with a basement theater, walk-in wine room, butler’s pantry, gourmet chef’s kitchen, luxurious master suite, den suite, garages for four cars and pool with spa.
Greg Hammond, President Toltec Custom Homes _________ Monica Hammond, CEO Toltec Custom Homes Owner/Agent
Another Masterpiece by Toltec Custom Homes Monica Hammond, Owner/Agent On Lock Box MLS #2658720, or call for inside access: 480.244.6347
Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996
Timeless Beauty
DISCOVER TOLTEC CUSTOM HOMES
Old World Elegance Awaits You... FIND OUT WHERE!
The Romantic Dinner Finale’! SUMPTUOUS STRAWBERRY TIRAMISU
If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.