Urban Thought Collective

Urban Thought Collective presents a special holiday series featuring our favorite chefs from The Food Network.

Aaron McCargo, Jr. won season four of The Next Food Network Star, beating out thousands of culinary hopefuls for the ultimate dream job – his own Food Network show! Dubbed “Big Daddy” on the reality show, Aaron brings an easygoing presence to the kitchen with his warm smile and passion for down-to-earth cooking. His new show, Big Daddy’s House, features simple, fun, and mouth-watering recipes that illustrate Aaron’s love for big, bold flavors.

We spoke with Big Daddy about his passion for food and family.

Being away from home for so long was the most difficult part of the Food Network competition. I am a die hard family guy so not being there every night with my kids was tough! But, I made it through and I’m so honored to be a Food Network chef! Getting down to the business of cooking, I’m all about flavor. Flavor is the true spice of life. It just warms the soul to have something made with love and made with such attention to waking up your taste buds! Many people seem to be hesitant about seasoning their food. But you have got to enhance it in your own way. My absolute favorite seasoning is paprika. I put it in flour, on my ribs, in my eggs, in rubs, breads, everything. It just gives off an amazing smokiness that I am crazy for. It also gives foods a nice, appetizing color that makes you want to dig right in.

Soul food has a lot of definitions to a lot of people. It’s not just a black thing at all. Mine is that it comes from the heart and shows that you love what you do. You have to cook what you feel, or it will show. Take the time to put love into it. If you don’t love it, don’t cook it. Cooking and making memorable meals for those you care about is a gift from God, so use it! I firmly believe that food brings peace. It brings people together and heals relationships between people, between countries. It is that powerful. There is so much hatred in the world; people don’t know how positive an influence we can be towards one another with just a little kindness.

When it comes to cooking healthy, I’ve never felt pressure to make my foods anyway but the way that tastes best for me. Healthy, economically sound choices can fit any budget. I’m here to show the average person how to get down and make them mouths water! Everything in moderation and you’ll be fine.

My advice for folks that want to get more into cooking and working their way around the kitchen is to make sure it doesn’t feel like a job. Don’t let it intimidate you. If you don’t want to bake, don’t. Just start with the basics and go from there. You’ll find your comfort level.

I let my kids get involved with every part of the meal that I can. They help me with casserole, breaking up stuffing, mashing potatoes, anything with their hands so they really feel a part of it and they are having a great time. Another good benefit of keeping your kids involved is that it makes them much more open to all kids of foods. They are ahead of the game when they are not limiting themselves to chicken nuggets and soda pop. Because if they know how something is made, it will open them up and they won’t be so squemish to try it. That goes for food and all kinds of other things as well. Expose them and it goes a long way.

I would have to say that my life’s biggest inspirations are my family, my church and my Dad most of all. When I was seven years old he said I would be a chef, and he was right! I have been blessed by the best, my Dad spoke that positive word and that stuck with me. He knew about my gift before I did. I mean, I get butterflies when I’m cooking on the show sometimes, but when I’m around food I’m happy and I just relax and let it flow. I would not be here if it wasn’t for God. The prayer and support I’ve received has been amazing and I didn’t plan on this path of my life, but I am grateful I’m here. Thanks for your support, and Happy Holidays to everyone!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH BIG DADDY HOOK UP SOME AMAZING POTATOES AU GRATIN!

A family man who adores all things flavorful, Aaron McCargo’s passion for cooking was sparked at the age of four when he started baking cakes in his sister’s Easy Bake Oven. He has since worked as a chef in nine New Jersey restaurants including his own (McCargo’s Restaurant), which he opened in 2003. Most recently, Aaron served as the executive chef at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. He also attended Atlantic Cape Community College’s Academy of Culinary Arts. The new season of his Food Network Series, “Big Daddy’s House” begins on January 4th and every Sunday at 1:30 PM, 12:30 Central.