Ask Cindy

There has been some discussion around town regarding the new community going in off Underwood Road—Adair Farms. Could you find out the latest status?

According to attorney for Adair Farms, David Plott, the proposed Adair Farms will be located on the property of Equilibrium Horse Center, just off Underwood Road in Gambrills. The proposed development will have 42 estate-type homes on minimum 3/4 acre lots. Equilibrium Horse Farm sits on 225 acres of land currently, so roughly the housing additions will take up 16% of the property. The farm will stay in existence, and will be the focal point of this community, with the addition of riding trails and equestrian access. The likely entry point into the new community will be across from Fallsway Drive, but that is still to be approved.

The approval and zoning process in Anne Arundel County is very complex, and it is estimated the construction would not start for another 8-10 years.

With such a large number of commuters in western Anne Arundel County, a need seems to exist for a larger scope of public transportation. Is anything on the horizon?

According to public records, County Executive Leopold recently participated in surveying MARC commuters at the Odenton Station in an effort to gather their preferences for a proposed shuttle bus addition connecting communities in AA County and BWI.  At that time, the suggestion was made for a dedicated express rail service between the Odenton MARC station and Union Station in DC because of the high volume of West County commuters traveling to Union Station on a daily basis.  The shuttle bus service and the requested expanded express service would support Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) activities, while also reducing traffic congestion and improving connectivity of the MARC rail system.

Let’s hope for a change!

Whether you serve ham or lamb at your table this spring holiday season, these are side dishes that your family will love year round!

Herbed carrots

1 pound of carrots, peeled and cut on a diagonal
2-3 sprigs of fresh tarragon
2 T. butter
1 T. honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Simmer carrots in 2 c. water until tender. Drain. In a frying pan, melt the butter and mix in tarragon on low heat. Let simmer for 2 minutes. Toss in carrots and honey and warm through. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Orzo with Parmesan and Basil

2 T. butter
1 c. uncooked orzo pasta
1 14.5 ounce can of chicken broth
½ c. grated parmesan cheese
1/4 c. chopped fresh basil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 T. basil sprigs

Melt butter in heavy skillet over medium heat. Stir in orzo and sauté until lightly browned. Stir in chicken stock and bring to a boil. Cover. Reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed, roughly 15-20 minutes. Mix in parmesan cheese and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with basil sprigs.

This dish is fabulous with ham…and the leftovers are awesome!

Scalloped Pineapple

1/2 pound butter, melted
1 2/3 cups white sugar
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
salt and pepper to taste
1 pinch ground cinnamon, or to taste
1 pinch ground nutmeg
4 cups white bread cubes
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8x10 inch casserole dish. In a medium bowl, combine butter, sugar, pineapple, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg; mix well. Place bread cubes in the bottom of the casserole dish and pour pineapple mixture on top. Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes or until golden brown and set throughout. If the top browns too fast, before the center is set, cover the dish with aluminum foil until it sets. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.