Food Network host coming to the Valley

By LISA L. BELL

Aaron McCargo Jr., winner of “The Next Food Network Star” competition, will be the celebrity chef at the first “Our Valley Cooks” recipe challenge, to take place at Mr. Anthony’s in Boardman on March 14.

McCargo’s show, dubbed “Big Daddy’s House,” pulls viewers in with his laid-back approach to down-home cooking with big bold flavor.

A husband, father and chef, McCargo explained that being organized is very important because it helps the cook of the family to save both time and money.

“Make sure you write everything down that you’ll need for your meal,” he said, explaining that it is important to plan your menu ahead of time, write your shopping list from your menu and make sure you have everything you need.

“Don’t make it more of a job than an adventure,” he said.

McCargo, of Camden, N.J., suggests working from simple recipes. “I make sure I buy ingredients that will work in more than one meal,” he said.

His idea of a perfect meal is very traditional. “Starch, protein and a veggie,” he said, explaining that beans can be used instead of meat for protein.

It is apparent that McCargo has a true love of cooking. At a young age, McCargo began making and selling cakes and cookies to his childhood friends. As a teenager he volunteered in the kitchen at Cooper University Hospital in Camden. He attended Atlantic Cape Community College’s Academy of Culinary Arts and worked as a cook, consultant and executive chef in nine New Jersey restaurants including McCargo’s, which he opened in 2003.

McCargo said the most memorable experience in his career has been both his first chef position and winning “The Next Food Network Star,” season four, in 2008.

He is now in his second season with his Food Network show, dubbed “Big Daddy,” which airs on Sundays at 1:30 p.m.

“My family rushes home from church just to watch it,” he said. “I always say, ‘You’re going to watch that guy again?’ It’s a blessing.”

“It’s my passion ... and it’s therapy,” he said. “Also, I know in the end, nine times out of ten, it’s going to make someone smile.”

For beginning cooks, McCargo says it’s about simplicity. “Start out with basic cookbooks and find the simplest things you can possibly make.”

Through his own experience, McCargo believes that it’s all about flavor. “Season your food to make it stand out,” he said.

So, with that, it is not surprising that his favorite food is Buffalo wings. “It’s a comfort food,” he said. “I like mine crispy, and I make an excellent homemade blue cheese dressing.”

McCargo explained that when he first heard of Buffalo wings, he wasn’t quite sure what to expect. “I didn’t know what they were,” he said. Inspired and curious, he began visiting restaurants just to taste different varieties. Then, he set out to make them exactly to his own liking.

As for the “Our Valley Cooks Food Expo,” McCargo said that he is looking forward to being there for contestants ... to encourage and motivate them.

His advice to contestants, who will be preparing their recipes in front of an audience, is to just block everyone out and focus on the food. “It’s about the food and the love for the food,” he said.

McCargo said he likes to be alone in the kitchen when he’s cooking for himself. But, if he’s working on a new recipe, he likes to have people around to get different opinions. If he’s working with children, he prepares to spend time with them and be patient.

“Everyone has a gift,” he said. “This is my gift from God, and it’s all about how you use it.”