This is the home of Aaron McCargo's Blog. Aaron is currently a finalist on the Next Food Network Star.The following entrees are the dishes that Aaron has had featured so far on the Food Network. Click on the picture to go directly to the recipe on the Food Network's recipe website.
Stuffed Pork[ FYI: The actual sausage is used in the stuffing mixture. Not clear from the recipe. Make sure you remove the casing ]
Chicken Parmesan
Broccoli and Burger Pizza
McCargo's Autumn Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Bacon Wrapped Potato with Honey Scallion Sauce
NY Strip Steak with Orange Bourbon Glaze
Cajun Salmon Sandwich with Goat Cheese
16 comments:
Dear Aaron, I am delighted to be the first one to post on your new blog. I have been so impressed with you from the first week of NFNS. Your cooking skill - a winner. Your attitude - a winner. your smile - double winner. The biggest winner of all is your character it truly shows. Win or lose, and I think you will win, on NFNS you are a real winner to so many people all over the country. What a role model. Thank you for all you do. Fran
I made Aaron's bacon wrapped potatoes with honey scallion sauce tonight. WOW. I LOVE that sauce. This man has talent.
Aaron, you are terrific! I love watching you on the Next Food Network Star. You are obviously a great cook. What appeals even more to me is that you have been so kind and gracious to your fellow competitors.
You're a great example to kids--you were so funny and warm with Michaela on the Rachael Ray show.
I'm rooting for you to be the Next Food Network Star!
Aaron, I have been enjoying watching you on TNFNS and just wanted to let you know that I anxiously await each week to see what new and very delicious looking food you will cook. You are truly talented and my thoughts and prayers go out to you in support. I hope your dreams come true and that the powers that be see what an excellent addition you would make to their network. Break a leg (chicken, turkey... lol) and I hope to catch you this fall!
OH! And man oh man, the potato wedges are just as good as they look! One question though, in the Pork Chops, do you use the sausage or just the grease from the sausage in the stuffing?
Aaron, you a true joy to watch. Your not putting on airs or trying to mold yourself to what you think people want you to be. I feel touched every week when I watch you. I so hope that you win the next FN star. I would watch you religiously. When you talk about your son and family, it hits me and I feel for you and pray that everything works out for your family. You have never let the judges down and every week you consistently turn out awesome food! Keep up the great work.
Stuffed Pork Recipe Update
The actual sausage is used in the stuffing mixture for the Stuffed Pork recipe. Make sure you remove the casing.
Aaron.
Aaron there are so many people pulling for you. Remember You ARE and always will be a winner no matter what.
Here's a little switch for you; Bertski has become a fan favorite as well, we haven't heard from him for a few days.
>>> removed per user request -moderated <<<
We miss him. Aaron, you and bertski are blessed to have each other as a friend. Your the best.
Florida Fran
Aaron, I hope you know you have a lot of support!! Don't pay attention to any negative hype because every famous person that has ever been always had/has critics. From the very first episodes on NFNS I saw your awesome cooking skills and just to think in the first shows you were the only one the judges liked the food! That speaks volumns. All chefs have a bad day. Even Bobby Flay LOL I saw a couple times having a bad food day. You have a great personality and I hope that don't change. And of the remaining contestants you are clearly in the number one spot on the foodnetwork poll. A true fan sticks by their choice and I have you from the first episode until the last. Good luck always.
There are other places, not just here that people are voicing their support for you, making you their clear choice to be the NFNS!!!
Congrats on being a finalist. Amazingly you and Lisa, and Adam were my favorites through the entire series and now one of you guys will have a new show on TFN. My son is a huge fan of yours and has decided to enter culinary school next year.
Aaron,
It's been fun watching you on the NFNS. The finale is tonight. Hope you win!
By the way, I made your stuffed pork recipe tonight and it was a disaster. I know it was my fault. I am not a Chef. Not sure if the recipe posted on the Food Network is yours or if it was posted by a viewer (there is a disclaimer at the bottom that makes one wonder about its authenticity). In any event, here are the ingredients:
8 ounces hot Italian sausage, without casing
4 (6-ounce) boneless pork chops, center cut
Salt and cracked black pepper
1/2 cup onions, finely diced
2 tablespoons finely diced celery
1 (16-ounce) bag stuffing, store-bought
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup oil
Chipotle Honey Glaze, recipe follows
Here are the problems I encountered. If you could provide some clarifications I would greatly appreciate it.
1) I used Stovetop stuffing. Was I supposed to cook this first using their instructions before adding it to the mixture. It seems I should have.
2) Also, the quantity of the stuffing mixture seemed much for 4 pork chops. It appears, from the picture, as though all your mixture goes in the pork chop. I had so much, mine looked more like a casserole with the pork chops served on a bed of the extra mixture.
3) Granny Smith Apples: 2 apples seemed like a lot to stuff into 4 pork chops. Also, the celery and onions were chopped but the apples were sliced. What the dizzle? I had big honkin apple slices that I was hoping would disappear and melt away. Didn't seem right, though I repeat, I am a rookie.
In the end my whole mixture seemed rather dry.
Any help or guidance would be appreciated. I so want to recreate the dishes that wowed the judges time and time again.
Thanks,
Mark
Congratulations Aaron! We have watched every single episode since this season began. If we were not home we recorded it and watched from beginning to end. Our 7 year old daughter is the one who loves the show and you. You were our pick from the first episode! We are proud of your accomplishment and can't wait to see what "Big Daddy" has in store for us.
Continue to be blessed.
Aaron, It was a long, hard trip but I had faith in you from day one. You are my Hero. Don't ever forget where you came from or what you set out to do and you will be just fine. Spread your joy where ever you go. You can and will make a difference in many lives along the way!My best to you, your family and your buddy Bertski. Now go party!Florida Fran
Dear Aaron--
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! I am extremely happy and proud of this awesome accomplishment.
You were my number one pick from the first episode.
Always, be true to yourself!!! May God continue to bless and guide you!
Congrats Aaron!! I honestly think they picked the best for the NFNS. You never let the fame get to your head and you grew so much during the show. You truly worked your butt off and you were rewarded for it. Kudos to Food Network for recognizing your talent and drive and rewarding you. It's great to see a humble and truly deserving man come out on top for a change. I just know you're gonna blow the network away with Big Daddy's House and I can't wait to watch your first episode. The pilot was awesome and you never should have doubted yourself, but the fact that you did made it even sweeter when you won. You deserved it, and I'm glad you got what you worked so hard for. You truly can do anything when you believe in yourself.
Congratulations Aaron, Food Network Star! I have followed your progress during the competition and have enjoyed getting to see and know the wonderful heart and talent you possess. You have nothing to fear as you have what it takes to draw people in and make them trust you. My sincerest wish for you is that things work out well for your son and your family. Have faith and know that the world is rooting for your continued success and happiness. You are truly an inspiration, keeping up the battle at your darkest hour. Peace and love, man.
Aaron, our family just made the steak and plantains on collard greens recipe from your "pilot episode." We loved it! The steak was the best we've ever had (thanks to the secret ingredient in the rub - brown sugar!) It was also the first time we've tried plantains, and definately not the last! You were our favorite on NFNS and can't wait to see "Big Daddy's Kitchen!" You have four dedicated fans in Utah!Congratulations
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