Take heart for 18th annual fundraising

breakfast

It’s almost time for the 18th annual High Country Heart Breakfast - Feb. 13 from 7 - 9:30 a.m., at Appalachian/Brian Estates (ABE) in Boone. It’s all about good food and fellowship while supporting a cause in which we all believe – the local chapter of the American Red Cross. All donations will be used to continue the great work those folks do in providing lifesaving information and helpful assistance to local citizens.

Local businesses are being challenged to treat their staff to a meal that is sure to result in the highest possible productivity for the day ahead. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved at only $6 a meal. 

Carry-outs are available and added donations greatly appreciated.

Rick Looper, executive director of ABE, and Bryan Haas of the Hastings Company, which owns Hardee’s of Boone, are teaming up again to make this year’s breakfast another success, though say they have lots of help to make it happen — numerous volunteers and organizations that they count on every year. Dan Meyer, former executive director of ABE, who continues to play a part in the event’s success as president/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, has been involved with the event longer than he can remember.

It’s important, he said, for people to realize that the breakfast is “probably one of the longest, continuously running charity functions in the High Country.”

Meyer has long considered it “a wonderful gathering of friends to benefit our local citizens, supporting research, services and education regarding heart disease,” citing cooperation from Hardee’s, the Hastings Company and ABE as a key factor in its success.

In keeping with a long-held tradition, the breakfast will offer a wide variety of food items – from those “good for the heart’ like fruits, cereals, etc., as well as those simply good to eat – gravy, biscuits, etc.

Participants may also take advantage of on-site heart-smart screening, CPR demonstrations, free blood pressure checks and heart-healthy information. Appalachian/Brian Estates is located at 163 Shadowline Drive in Boone. Overflow parking will be available next door at the former Shadowline factory location.

Checks will be accepted, made payable to the Watauga County Chapter, American Red Cross.

For those of you who want to practice heart-health beyond the breakfast, try this suggestion:

Fat Free Bran And Raisin Muffins

½ cup whole-wheat flour
¼ cup plus 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
Sugar substitute or 6 tsp. sugar
1 tbsp. baking powder
3 oz. unprocessed bran
1½ oz. uncooked quick cooking rolled oats
¾ cup buttermilk
¼ cup apple juice
2 Tbsp. applesauce
2 egg whites
2½ tsp. honey
½ cup hot water
¼ cup + 2 tbsp. raisins

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In large bowl sift together first 5 ingredients. In blender combine buttermilk, apple juice, oil, egg whites and honey; process until combined. Add dry ingredients. Stir until moistened, then stir in raisins and hot water. Spray a 12-muffin cup pan with non-stick cooking spray; fill each with ¼ cup batter. Bake 20 minutes or until set and lightly brown on top. Makes 12 servings. (Instead of buttermilk substitute plain yogurt.)