You don’t have to worry any more that you missed last weeks show because you spent the weekend traveling. Take the videos with you on your Apple iPod. It’s as simple as browsing to your favorite vendor on hothomesofutah.com and clicking the iPod icon. Or better yet, automate the process and subscribe to an iTunes feed. By subscribing to an iTunes feed you can always be up to date on the latest videos. Hot Homes has 2 types of video feeds. There is a main feed, that is a complete collection of all our videos ranging from Bangerter Homes to Pella Windows. Subscribe to all episodes using iTunes » The second type of video feed features only videos of a particular home builder or vendor. To subscribe to only one builder, for example I only want to see videos from Gough Homes, I would navigate to Gough’s profile and click the ’subscribe using iTunes »’ button below the video section of the profile. It’s as easy as that. If you have any comments or questions, be sure to us the comment box below. I’d love to here from you.

I know what you’re thinking. How can a deck improve the quality of my life? You, my friend, have obviously never had to sand or stain or repair a redwood deck. Or, you’ve never walked barefoot across your wood deck and suffered a serious cut from a nailhead or screw sticking up after the plank’s become warped. So…what’s a deck lover to do!?

Take my word for it…track down you nearest Timbertech dealer! I recently researched all of the composite deck products on the market, and came to the conclusion that Timbertech is numero uno. For alot of reasons.

First of all…zero maintenance. Ok, you’ve got to wash the deck down every now and then. Other than that…just sit back, relax and enjoy the look of your Timbertech deck.

Second of all, you have a wide variety of great colors to choose from that are consistent and have minimal fading. Plus I love the wood grain texture TimberTech’s been able to incorporate into it’s planks. It looks like wood.

The best part about those planks? They go together with a tongue and groove systems that let you put the screws into the side of the plank, not the top of the plank. That way, when you slide the next plank into the groove it covers up all the screws. There are no exposed screws or nails showing…anywhere. That’s why it’s the best looking deck on the market (in my humble opinion).

Same goes for the rail products…which don’t have any exposed hardware. There’s some new colors for the rail systems too (Colonial White & Classic Black) that give the decks a slick, “finished” look.

If you have a double decker…or you’re thinking about building a double-deck deck…think long and hard about installing the Timbertech Dryspace Drainage system. Actually, it’s a no brainer. Get it & thank me later. Long story short, it keeps everything on the lower deck nice and dry, channeling all of the water on the upper deck away from all living areas. Very sensible…very cool.

Last but hardly least…Timbertech is a “green” product, made from plastic resins and re-cycled wood products. With the cost of redwood going waaayyyy up…Timbertech just makes more sense. Save money…save the forests.

Bottom line? If you’re in the market for a composite deck…ya gotta put Timbertech on your list. Save money, save time, work less and yes, enjoy more life. An advertising slogan that’s actually true. Don’t take my word for it…find out for yourself. I bet you go with Timbertech!

People buy new homes for many different reasons. Some people are search for a home that will make a statement - be striking in appearance with impressive architecture.Others seek homes that are efficient with practical layouts and functional design.Still others want their home to be cozy with a warm and comfortable feeling. A new home can also be fun with exciting features. It could be different

How in the name of Happy Valley is anyone supposed to see all 31 entries in this years 27th annual Utah Valley Parade of Homes? With gas prices soaring over 3 dollars a gallon, it won’t just cost you alot of time to tour this Parade. So, as a public service, yours truly…after touring all 31 homes on your behalf…has simplified matters for you. If you’re short on time…and don’t have a bundle of cash for gas…just go see the Million Dollar Beauties!

The Denali, built by Kyle Smith of Maple Landing, is a great place to start. This rustic home in Mapleton does what the advance billing says it does…capture the spirit of Denali National Park in Alaska. Loved the indoor pool (I’m an old…and I do mean old…swimmer). And the theatre room? Impressive. Sure, the base price is a cool 4 mill…but hey, you get 6 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms and over 13,000 square feet to kick around. The Denali is a Carl The Critic “Must See.”

Ditto for The Chateaux…another in a long line of amazing homes from Geoff Granum and Silver Creek Construction. After viewing several of Granum’s previous Parade Entries on Hot Homes of Utah, I didn’t think Silver Creek could raise the bar any higher. Wrong. Again. The marble staircase make a great first impression. The steam shower, the two saunas, the multi-level theme playhouse and the French theme theater room sealed the deal for this cowboy! With 6 bedrooms, 6 full baths and 3 half lbaths…The Chateaux is a steal at $2,750,000!!! Assuming you have $2,750,000 to spend on a home!

Moving right along, your next stop should be Pinnacle Ranch, offered up by John Olsen and Universal Remodeling. Ok, ok…I know…it’s not exactly a “new” home…and it’s not exactly a million dollar remodel. But it looks like one…and Olsen’s work is worth a million bucks…and looks like a million. Don’t know about anyone else…but I really couldn’t tell where the old home ends and the new one begins. Seamless. Well done. Especially the master suite with a nursery for the baby. If you’re thinking of remodeling instead of building, you’ve gotta see Pinnacle Ranch in Highland.

Last, and far from least…do yourself a favor and cruise through the Journey’s End…a master piece from Chris Shurian and Classic Construction Services. Bravo! This home stands out in the high end crowd down in Alpine. What does 3.3 mill get you? 8 killer bedrooms, 8 well appointed bathrooms (now here comes the cool stuff) an indoor dance studio/basketball court (I left my ballet shoes at home so I shot a few hoops) and there’s plenty of room for parking in the 6 car garage. Wish I had 6 cars…but if I did, this would be the house for me. Two big thumbs up for The Journeys End.

Of course, these are just MY opinions…and I could be wrong (possible, but highly unlikely). Life is short and unless you have tons of time to kill (and gas money to burn) these 4 million dollar beauties are the ones to see, if you can only see 4 or 5 homes. You can thank me later…and tell me where I went wrong! Happy gawking!

The definition of a “Marinade” is a paste or liquid mixture that the food soaks in before it is cooked. The marinating time can be between 15 minutes to 48 hours. The oil in the marinade helps the food retain moisture, give it flavor and help keep the food from sticking.

Any marinade can be used to baste food and season the sauce during grilling. Just make sure it has been cooked before hand.

Finally, rubs or dried marinades can be used to flavor foods.
They can be a mixture of dried herbs or spices without liquid.
Apply the dried rub to the food by rubbing first with oil or clarified butter, then pat the seasonings on generously.

Red or White Wine Marinade
3 cups Cabernet or Chardonnay Wine
1/2 cup red or white wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
2 each shallots, chopped
4 each garlic cloves minced or creamed
1/3 cup Italian parsley ( I like to mix Italian and curly together)
1 Tbl of each; fresh Thyme, Tarragon or Rosemary
you can use dried, 2 teaspoons of each
1 Tsp sea salt
1/2 Tsp of fresh ground pepper

Mix all of the above, except the olive oil. Slowly oil in a slow stream, whisking to blend the ingredients together. Red wine for beef or lamb, white wine for poultry.
Remember the bigger the pieces the longer you leave them in the marinade.

Use immediately or put in a tightly covered jar for up to 2 days. Yields; 4 cups

Mustard Marinade
1/4 cup Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, horseradish mustard,
1/3 cup White Wine vinegar
1/4 olive oil
1/3 Apple juice
2 tbl fresh lemon juice
2 shallots
Fresh ground pepper

All I can say this is good on everything, even a dipping sauce for grilled veggies.

Dry Multipurpose Herb Rub
1/2 tsp cayenne
3 tsp dried dill
3 tsp mild paprika
2 tsp fresh lemon zest
2 tsp sea salt
2 tsp fresh ground pepper
Use for chicken, fish and vegetables.

Rubs can really liven-up the flavor of grilled foods. Always rub your food with oil or clarified butter before adding the rub. Rub the mixture on a couple of hours before you grill.

Mix all of the ingredients together except the
fresh lemon zest. Add the lemon zest right before you use it. Triple the recipe and have enough on hand for the summer. Will keep for 3 months in a airtight container at room temperature.

If you have any questions please email me at cmooers@kimball.inc

Hello everyone,

Cathie here, Chef for Kimball Distributing…here are some quick grillling tips.

First a little history…
The name barbeque cames from the word “barbacoa”. Captian Cook brought this method of cooking back from the islands he had visited. They would take a little bit wood, burn it until they had nice hot embers, then lay a mat (the Barbacoa) accross it.

BBQ was mostly for large gatherings, we BBQ’ed on wide grates over large barrels of coal. We did very little outdoor cooking at home. It wasn’t until the 40’s-50’s that we did much entertaining in the backyard. As Americans we have discoverd the grill and we’re entertianing big time in the backyard. Outdoor cooking has evolved to major changes in our style of living, now we are creating outdoor kitchens, with grills, refrigeration, drawers, and entertainment centers, I could go on and on.

Unfortanatly, most of us learned to grill by watching our fathers in the backyard blowing on the Kingsford. Grilling has moved beyound the simple hamburger. We now grill meats, pizza, fruits, breads, and desserts.

The structure of the grill really has not changed much over time, but the designs, and the bells and whistles are increasing constantly. There are a number of grills on the market to choose from, open grills, kettles, hooded grills, gas and electric.

General Grilling Advice

1. Make sure your grill is clean. The black build-up on the grill can give your food an unpleasant taste, also it will make your food stick.

2. Allow yourself enough time to pre-heat your grill. Depending on your grill.

3. Do not over heat your grill, you want to be about 350 degrees. Remember heat rises, you want the temperture at the grate.

4. Watch the grill at all times. Not only for safety reasons, but for the flares up.

5. Have all of the tools you need out before you begin.

Watch for more on grilling techniques and recipes coming up in our next edition. Have a great summer.

Breakfast nooks are making a resurgence in the home building and remodeling industries. Homeowners are rediscovering the value of having a cozy, well lit place to enjoy meals…Read more about Breakfast Nooks

Summer has arrived and its time to check out the new grills found at Kimball Distributing. Kimball has the hottest new outdoor products for your next big backyard party. Learn More>>

Silverleaf Estates

Nilson Homes in Utah has raised the bar once again with its new community Silverleaf Estates. Silverleaf is a private community of luxury home sites designed to cater to the tastes of discerning clientele. This exclusive area offers homebuyers the quiet serenity of the outdoors with the convenience of the city just moments. Learn More>>

The Ledges of St. George

The Ledges integrates southern utah’s natural grandeur with contemporary living in comfortable, family friendly neighborhoods. So come explore The Ledges of St. George…and discover your sanctuary, your spirit and your future…unfolding in glorious living color! Learn More>>

When designing your kids’ rooms and or the office, you can now have an authentic sports room featuring the colors of your favorite MLB, Nascar, NFL, and College teams. These paints are available at your local Home Depot store. Paint Tips Video