arizona homeowner presented by dan ward

the oenophile files Storing And Serving Your Holiday Wines

dinner en français Zinc Bistro’s Lamb Persillade

Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net

Realestatefinancingcanbeadauntingtask.Andthatisespeciallytrueintoday’sworldwherelendersaremorecautiousaboutlendingduetoeconomicuncertainty.Iunderstandthatchoosingamortgageisonethebiggestdecisionsthatyouwillmake.Youwantthebestinterestrateandyouwantthepre-approval,application,andcloseofescrowprocesstobehassle-free.Iunderstand.Ilistentoyourneeds.AndIrespondquicklyanddeliver.Letmeputmynearlytwodecadesofresidentiallendingexperiencetoworkforyou!

• Theneedsofeveryclientaredifferent.Ispecializein tailoringaloanandfinancingstrategythatwillbestfit theindividualneedsofeachclient.

• Haveyoueverclosedonamortgageandlaterhad remorsethatyoumayhavepickedthewrongloan programorpaidtoomuchinfees?Iofferabenefit analysisoneveryloantoensurethattheloanprogram andtheassociatedcostsarethebestfitandinthebest interestoftheclient.

• Iusethelatestlendingtechnologytodeliveraloancredit decisioninhours,notdays.

• Closingthousandsofloansoverthecourseofmycareer assuresyouthatasanindustryveteranIhavethe knowledgeandexpertisetohandleeverysituation.

• Myimpeccablereputationismybestasset.Ialwaysstrive toexceedyourexpectationsandearnyourbusinessforlife!

Call me today!

Brady HollandSenior Mortgage Banker

NMLS 180079

Office: 480.278.8993Cell: 480.272.3282

E-Fax: [email protected]

Brady HollandSenior Mortgage Banker

NMLS 145502AZ BK#0909074

MORTGAGE RATES As of 8/26/11

Loan Rates for $150K-$417K:• 30-Year Fixed: 4.375%/4.484% APR• 15-Year Fixed: 3.625%/3.807% APR

• 5/1 ARM: 3.625%/3.727% APR

Loan Rates for $418K-$1.5M: • 30-Year Fixed: 5.000%/5.055% APR

• 5/1 ARM: 4.375%/3.535% APR• 7/1 ARM: 5.000%/4.008% APR

*Note: All rate quotes offered at 0% points for primary home purchase or no cash-outrefinance financing with 720+ FICO score. Loans under $417K are quoted based on 20% equity

while loans over $417K require 20%-30% equity. Other financing options are available upon request.

Arizona HomeownerNovember | December 2011

85026PERMIT 1441

V.I.P. Mortgage, Inc.8414 N. 90th St. | Suite 102Scottsdale, AZ 85258RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Wearenownearingthe4thquarteroftheyear.Anduponreflection,ourrealestatemarkethashadanextraordinaryyearofstronghomesales. Inrecentyearswe’veseenaglutofhomesonthemarketthatatonetimewasalmostatwo-yearbacklogofhomestosell.Backinthosedaysthesimplelawofsupplyanddemandtolduswiththatmuchinventorythatpriceswouldhavetodropsteadilyforthosehomestobesold.Andtodaydespitethetrainofforeclosureandshortsalepropertiesthatarestillhittingthemarketinnumbers,exceptionallyhighbuyeractivityhasdroppedthathugebacklogofhomesforsaletoatwo-month’stimeonmarket.Anormalhomesellingmarkettakes5-6monthsforahometosell.ForMetroPhoenixtobedowntoatwo-monthtimeframesignalshowwhitehotthemarketisnow.Andsincedemandissohighandhomesupplylow,weshouldnowstartseeinghomevaluesmoveupward. Manypeopleaskmehowcanourhousingmarketbeoneofthehottestinthecountrywithanationalandlocaleconomythatisstrugglingandsomanypeopleoutofwork?Theanswersimplyisthatmortgageratesareneara40-yearlow.Andrealestatepricesinourmarketarecheaperthantheywere10yearsagoinmanyareas.Likeanygreatsale,whenthepriceisright,theinventorywillsellbriskly. Foranyonewondering“whenisthebesttimetobuyahome,”themarketsignalsallappeartobethere.Wehavemortgageratesatahistoriclowwithnowheretogobutup.Andwehavehomepricesthatafterfourplusyearsofdeclinehaveshowedsignsofstabilizationthataresettingupforapricebounceupward. Onthemortgagesideofthings,it’sagreattimetorefinance.Westillhaveprogramstohelppeoplerefinancewhoareupside-downontheirhomes.Andifyouownahomeandwanttobuyanewoneattoday’sremarkableprices,wealsohavesomeprogramstohelppeopledothatpriortosellingtheoldhome(withqualifying).Pleasefeelfreetocallmetodaytodiscussyourrefinanceandhomebuyingoptions.

WELCOME TO FALL

Don’t Miss The Party

Event CalendarNovember | December 2011

NKF Cadillac Golf ClassicWhirlwind Golf Club, November 18th602.840.1644 | AZKidney.orgTake a swing at kidney disease and receive the opportunity to advance to the golf championships at Pebble Beach. Raising over $6 million nationally each year for the National Kidney Foundation, this premier amateur golf event for charity begins with a shotgun start and includes lunch, cocktail reception and silent auction.

Phoenix Heart BallThe Phoenician, November 19th602.414.5347 | PhoenixHeartBall.orgIn its 52nd year in the Valley of the Sun, this premier fundraising event brings black tie and ball gowns together for a “Passion with Purpose.” Proceeds help fund the prevention of cardiovascular disease through education as well as other research and programs of the American Heart Association. A lively cocktail reception, followed by dinner and dancing round out the beautiful evening.

Thanksgiving Day ClassicPeoria Sports Complex, November 24th 602.954.8341 | ArizonaRoadRacers.comBefore you sit down to your annual turkey feast, begin your day with a great race while helping a great cause. Choose from among a 10-mile, 5K and 1-mile fun run. Proceeds benefit Peoria Pantry and will help to purchase shoes, socks and underwear for those in need. Plus, this year, unwrapped toys can be brought to add to the donated items. Gobble, gobble!

The Wizard of OzOrpheum Theater, December 8th – December 11th602.262.7272 | Orpheum-Theater.comThis holiday season, there is truly no place like home. The entire family can enjoy the travels down the Yellow Brick Road in this lavish production featuring breathtaking special effects, dazzling choreography and classic songs. Whether you most love the munchkins or the flying monkeys, don’t miss your chance to travel Over the Rainbow and experience Oz live on stage.

Las Noches de Las LuminariasDesert Botanical Garden, December 8th – 30th480.481.8188 | DBG.orgThe Valley’s best holiday event comes to life at the Garden with more than 8,000 hand-lit luminaria bags and 10 musical groups performing nightly. New this year, explore the Garden’s newest exhibition, David Rogers’ Big Bugs. These 11 enormous, whimsical bug sculptures will be on display and are sure to create quite a buzz this holiday season.

58th Annual Fashion Show and LuncheonArizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, December 10th602.235.9554 | BoardOfVisitors.orgAs one of the venerable charitable events in the Valley, the Board of Visitors Fashion Show and Luncheon raises over $100,000 each year for local charities. Join approximately 1000 fashionable guests at this festive afternoon event and see how the significance of family and philanthropy is deeply woven throughout this organization and in our community.

Featuring Zinc Bistro480.603.0922 | ZincBistroAZ.com

Your Home

Everyoneknowsthatwinesimprovewithage,right?Sothelongeryoustoreyourwinethebetteritwillbewhenyoufinallyuncorkitinseveralyears.Didyourealizethat’snotalwaysthecase?Thatbystoringmanywines,you’resimplyagingthemrightintoundrinkability! OldWorldwinesfromEuropegenerallyneedtobeaged.Theyaretraditionallyhigherinacidandlowerinalcohol,andusuallyrequireseveralyearsinthebottletosoftentheacidsandtanninsandtofullydeveloptheirdelicatefruitflavors. NewWorldwinesfromCaliforniaandAustraliacandifferinthatmanyarebottledandreadytobeconsumedimmediately.Americans’desireforinstantgratificationandhigheralcoholcontenthasplayedaroleinhowthesewinesareproduced.So,ifyou’rebuyingmostdomesticwines,planondrinkingthemwithinmonths,weeks,days(orhours!)afterpurchase.However,youstillneedtostoreandserveyourwineproperlyforthebestresults.

WINE STORAGE Youmightbesurprisedbyhowrapidlyyourwinescandeteriorateifkeptininadequateconditions.Thethreemostimportantelementsofwinestoragearelight,humidityandtemperature. Light-Directlight,whethersunlightstreaminginawindoworlightbulbsdirectlyoveryourwinebottles,canadverselyreactwithphenoliccompoundsinthewineanddisruptthedelicatebalanceandpromoteoxidationwithinthebottle. Humidity–Wineswithcorkenclosuresneedhumiditytokeepfromdryingout.Ifthecorkdriesout,thebottlebeginstofillwithoxygen,spoilingyourwine.It’sbesttostorebottlesontheirside,sothatpartofthecorkcanremaindamp.Somewineexpertsrecommendstoringbottlescompletelyupside-downtoensurethatthecorkisalwaysfullywet. Temperature–Winesexposedtotemperatureextremescanliterallybecomeeither“cooked”or“frozen.”Allowingyourwinetositonacounteratroomtemperatureiseventoohot,letaloneleavingitinyourhotcarforafewhourswhileyoufinishyourerrands.Additionally,dramatictemperatureswings(suchasrepeatedlytransferringthewinefromtherefrigeratortothecounterandback)canalsoleadtoadversechemicalreactionsofyourwine.

SERVING YOUR WINES Aswithstorage,theidealtemperaturethatyouwanttoserveyourwinewillvarybyvarietal.Forthemostpart,rich,intense,spicyredsareservedthewarmest,butstillneverabove68degrees,whilethelighter-bodiedwhiteandsparklingwinesareservedthecoldest.

Temperature Type of Wine Varietal63°-65° Boldreds Bordeaux,Shiraz,CabernetSauvignon,Burgundy57°-61° Mediumreds PinotNoir,Chianti,Zinfandel54° Light,fruityreds Beaujolais52° Full-bodied,oakedwhites WhiteBurgundy,complexChardonnay48°-50° Mediumtolightwhites Chablis,SauvignonBlanc,Semillon45°-47° Sweetwines Sauterne,Muscat43° Sparklingwines Champagne,Asti

SERVING ETIQUETTEThisholidayseason,therewillbemanyopportunitiestoentertainguestsandraiseaglassortwo.Besureyoudon’tcommitanysommelierfaux-pas!Remove the foil –Itmayseemobvious,butmanypeopleskipthisandsimplydigrightinwiththewineopener.It’smessyandunattractive.Pickupafoilcutterfor$5andopenyourbottleswithfinesse.Use clean wine glasses–Ofcoursethey’reclean,buttakeasniff:Oftenresidualsmellsfromdishwashingdetergentortrappedodorswhenstoringafterapriorcleaningcanruintheexperience.Don’t pour then touch–Neverpickuptheglassafterpouring.Yourguest’sglassshouldbeplacedonthetableandthenyoupourintoit.Ladies first –Startwiththeladynearesttoyourright,endwiththegentlemenandpouryourselflast.Never fill the glass–Neverpourmorethan2/3ofaglass.Guestsneedtobeabletoswirlthewinetoreleaseflavorsandallowittobreatheintheglass.Don’t even think about ice –Justdon’tdoit.Ever.

LAMB PERSILLADE

Method:In a large pot place drained white beans, half carrots, half celery, half onions, bacon, vinegar, thyme and bay leaf. Cover with chicken stock, bring to a boil and simmer until the beans give no resistance to the bite. When beans are finished, strain and cool half. Puree the other half with remaining cooking liquid. Reserve bacon or ham hock, small dice. Only add enough cooking liquid to puree smooth. Small dice and blanch remaining carrot, celery, and onion. In a food processor puree half of the parsley, fold in panko and room temperature butter to form a paste. Season puree and spread thin in sheets on parchment paper or plastic wrap. In a blender puree the other half of the parsley with garlic and olive oil to make a parsley sauce. Reduce wine and aromatics until syrupy. Add lamb bones and veal stock, reduce by two thirds or until sauce consistency. Strain the sauce, butter, season and add desired amount of the olive powder. Hold sauce, covered in a warm place until service. In a sauce pot heat up equal amounts of the beans (whole and pureed). When hot, whisk or stir in gruyere, being careful not to scorch the bottom of the pan. Sear lamb racks in a hot sauté pan. Finish lamb in a 400 degree oven until just before desired temperature. When finished, rest the lamb at room temperature for 10 minutes. Place the parsley crust on top of the lamb rack and place under the broiler until browned. Add diced vegetables and bacon or ham product to the bean puree. Season and adjust with vinegar. Serves 4-6.

Ingredients:2-3 whole racks of lamb, frenched4-6 oz. dry white beans, soaked for 24 hrs.2 carrots2 stalks celery2 onions2-4 oz. bacon or ham hock3 oz. white wine vinegar

1/2 bunch thyme 1 bay leaf 1 qt. chicken stock4-6 oz. grated gruyere cheese1 bunch Italian parsley1 oz. garlic puree2-4 oz. extra virgin olive oil1 c. panko crumbs

Celebrate your success and stand strong when

adversity hits, for when the storm clouds come in,

the eagles soar while the small birds take cover.

– unknown

The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.

– Oprah Winfrey

CELEBRATE THE HAPPINESS THAT FRIENDS ARE ALWAYS GIVING, MAKE EVERY DAY A HOLIDAY AND CELEBRATE JUST LIVING!

– AMANDA BRADLEY

Celebrate love. It is the breath of your existence and the best of all reasons for living. – Unknown

If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily.

– Gerald Good Celebrate what you want to see more of.

– Thomas J. Peters

Christmas is most truly Christmas when we

celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who

need it most. – Ruth Carter Stapleton

Christmas Gift Suggestions: To your enemy; forgiveness. To an opponent; tolerance. To a friend; your heart.

To a customer; service. To all; charity. To every child; a good example. To yourself; respect.

– Oren Arnold

Life has meaning only in the struggle.

Triumph or defeat is in the hands

of the Gods. So let us celebrate

the struggle! – Swami Sivananda

WE SPEND JANUARY 1ST WALKING THROUGH OUR LIVES, ROOM BY ROOM, DRAWING UP A LIST OF WORK

TO BE DONE, CRACKS TO BE PATCHED. MAYBE THIS YEAR, TO BALANCE THE LIST, WE OUGHT TO WALK THROUGH THE

ROOMS OF OUR LIVES... NOT LOOKING FOR FLAWS, BUT FOR POTENTIAL. – ELLEN GOODMAN

And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years. – Abraham Lincoln

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day. – Edith Lovejoy Pierce

4-6 oz. butter3 c. veal stockroasted lamb bones and scrap1 c. white winearomatics: bay leaf, thyme, shallots, peppercorn2-4 oz. butter2-4 oz. olive powder

With the holiday season fast approaching, you’ll be joining family members, colleagues, friends and neighbors in raising a glass and toasting to the season. But what if you aren’t in the celebratory mood? With the economic

malaise and overall pessimism in the nation, feelings of joy and happiness might be dampened by stress and anxiety. Don’t allow negative thoughts to invade your holiday season, and for that matter, your life in general! Enjoy and find

inspiration from a number of thought-provoking quotes to help you find a celebration in your own heart!

Not what we say about our

blessings, but how we use

them, is the true measure of our

thanksgiving. – W. T. Purkiser

DON’T EVER SAVE ANYTHING FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION. BEING ALIVE IS

THE SPECIAL OCCASION. – ANON