"Big Daddy" Does Ribs - On A Small Budget

Newest Food Network "Star," Aaron McCargo Jr., Acccepts "Chef On A Shoestring" Challenge

(CBS)  His nickname is "Big Daddy," and Aaron McCargo Jr. just won the title of the "Next Food Network Star."

In an instant, he went from hospital chef to TV star.

McCargo's new show on that network, "Big Daddy's House," debuts Sunday.

But on Saturday, McCargo took on The Early Show's "Chef on a Shoestring" challenge of making a three-course meal for four on the slim budget of $40.

Aaron not only brings his passion for down-to-earth cooking to the kitchen, he brings a warm and inviting personality.

The Food Network says "Big Daddy's House" features "simple, fun and mouth-watering recipes that illustrate Aaron's love for big, bold flavors."

McCargo's menu on Saturday: Macaroni Salad, Big Daddy's Ribs and Seasoned Corn, and Big Mama's Sweet Potato Pie.

Food Fact

St. Louis Style Ribs are cut from the spare ribs, and the brisket bones are removed from the bottom of the rib rack. By removing the lower, most wasteful portion of the ribs, you are left with the center-bone only. Slow cooking over low heat is the key to success when cooking ribs. Barbecue aficionados in St. Louis like to use the phrase "low and slow" to describe this cooking method.

Take-Home Tips

When boiling eggs, adding salt to the water makes them easier to peel.

Salt is key to dry rubs; it seasons meat and enhances other flavors.

Finishing grilled corn with fresh lemon or lime juice maximizes flavor.

RECIPES

MACARONI SALAD

1 pound elbow noodles
6 large eggs
1-1/2 cups mayonnaise
1/4 cup pickle relish
2 tablespoons finely diced onions
2 tablespoons finely diced celery
Dash hot sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

In a large pot with boiling, salted water, cook pasta for 8 to 10 minutes until cooked. Drain and cool.

In a medium saucepan, cover eggs with water and bring to a boil. Cover the saucepan and remove it from the heat.

Let eggs sit for 10 minutes.

Remove eggs and shock in ice water.

Once thoroughly cooled, peel eggs and roughly dice.

In a large bowl, add mayonnaise, relish, onions, celery, hot sauce, and Worcestershire. Mix until well combined.

Add pasta to bowl and toss with dressing. Season well with salt and pepper.

FOR MORE OF McCARGO'S RECIPES, GO TO PAGE 2.

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Add a Comment See all 17 Comments

by mjmmcduffy August 4, 2008 5:05 PM EDT

Congratulations Aaron McCargo Jr. and all the best to you "Big Daddy." Ignore the critics (on-line) and continue to do your thing. I liked the way you mixed Mayo & veggies and then added to Mac for salad. Also, enjoyed "Big Daddy''s House." I do not see the recipes on-line yet! Continued success!

Reply to this comment

by kitsin August 4, 2008 12:32 AM EDT

I saw Big Daddy''s House today and Aaron was really, really good. I am going to tune in to see his show every Sunday. I cannot stand the Neelys...especially Gina. I Am glad Emeril Live is gone! He was getting so boring!

GOOD LUCK, AARON! You have a lot of fans out there!

Reply to this comment

by erlindab August 3, 2008 5:31 AM EDT

I am pulling for Aaron to succeed. He is a gem - a rough diamond, but I think he is worth the energy to get him polished. He has a great personality, and I am pulling for him. I am glad he won the challenge. He will be just fine.

Reply to this comment

by djinger August 3, 2008 1:37 AM EDT

Sorry, but I don''t consider $40.00 a "small" budget to feed a family of four. Feed a family of four on a $15.00 or less budget and then I''ll be impressed as, in the real world, that''s what families really do. I don''t expect a chef to use frozen fish sticks, mashed potatoes and a salad to be on the menu, but I see NO challenge in what he did.

Reply to this comment

by riadiva August 3, 2008 1:26 AM EDT

Most of the spices should be in your pantry, if you are any kind of a good cook. You guys are so envious, you think Food Network is gonna miss you not tuning in? I dont think so, this was the better choice. Lisa was good but not unique. There are hundreds of Lisa types all over the networks. This man has a story and a presence he cooks well and he makes you feel good. Congrats Big Daddy we love you

Reply to this comment

by cyberus-2009 August 3, 2008 1:23 AM EDT

Oh and one more thing ... where in the heck did they get St Louis cut ribs for $3 a pound???????

Reply to this comment

by cyberus-2009 August 3, 2008 1:21 AM EDT

Once again government math was used to make the "budget".

Items not included on the cost list:
1st course
6 eggs
2nd course
3 cups brown sugar
1/2 lb salted butter
Dessert
2 eggs
1 cup brown sugar

The 2 eggs on the dessert would have busted the budget.

Reply to this comment

by princessessa August 2, 2008 8:24 PM EDT

I think Aaron is a real sweet "down-to-earth" guy. I think he will be very successful on the food network. I think his recipes look quite awesome. YOU GO BIG DADDY!!

Reply to this comment

by tomanyt August 2, 2008 7:54 PM EDT

CelticSinger...I agree 100%.

Reply to this comment

by GeorgiaSongbird August 2, 2008 7:35 PM EDT

We watched the entire season of Food Network Star, and Aaron was definitely NOT the star! We love Food Network, but this is one show we will not be watching. The other two finalists, especially Lisa, were much more talented, interesting, polished and appealing on camera. Big mistake here.....

Reply to this comment

by aztecdakota August 2, 2008 4:38 PM EDT

40 DOLLARS!! One family meal? There are 3 meals a day you know. Try that on Social Security, with grandchildren. God, you people are sooo lucky.

Reply to this comment

by tomanyt August 2, 2008 3:38 PM EDT

This guy is ssssssssooooooooooooooo boring.

Reply to this comment

by pyhouston August 2, 2008 2:31 PM EDT

I do believe you went over your budget? I did not see the price of the eggs. However, I do plan to try this recipe today!

Reply to this comment

by ritam9 August 2, 2008 1:28 PM EDT

How did he get the brown sugar, cinnamon, eggs, butter, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, vanilla, foil and black pepper. Were they donated from the last chef? I have never put on a meal leaving the grocery under $40. I thought I would try it but then discovered all the necessary items were not itemized.

Reply to this comment

by ritam9 August 2, 2008 1:27 PM EDT

How did he get the brown sugar, cinnamon, eggs, butter, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, vanilla, foil and black pepper. Were they donated from the last chef? I have never put on a meal leaving the grocery under $40. I thought I would try it but then discovered all the necessary items were not itemized.

Reply to this comment

by ritam9 August 2, 2008 1:26 PM EDT

How did he get the brown sugar, cinnamon, eggs, butter, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, vanilla, foil and black pepper. Were they donated from the last chef? I have never put on a meal leaving the grocery under $40. I thought I would try it but then discovered all the necessary items were not itemized.

Reply to this comment

by rbatem August 2, 2008 12:59 PM EDT

You didn''t include the price of the 6 eggs in the salad. Recipes sound good and we will try them tonight!

Reply to this comment

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[mjmmcduffy]

Congratulations Aaron McCargo Jr. and all the best to you "Big Daddy." Ignore the critics (on-line) and continue to do your thing. I liked the way you mixed Mayo & veggies and then added to Mac for salad. Also, enjoyed "Big Daddy''s House." I do not see the recipes on-line yet! Continued success!

[kitsin]

I saw Big Daddy''s House today and Aaron was really, really good. I am going to tune in to see his show every Sunday. I cannot stand the Neelys...especially Gina. I Am glad Emeril Live is gone! He was getting so boring!

GOOD LUCK, AARON! You have a lot of fans out there!

[erlindab]

I am pulling for Aaron to succeed. He is a gem - a rough diamond, but I think he is worth the energy to get him polished. He has a great personality, and I am pulling for him. I am glad he won the challenge. He will be just fine.

[djinger]

Sorry, but I don''t consider $40.00 a "small" budget to feed a family of four. Feed a family of four on a $15.00 or less budget and then I''ll be impressed as, in the real world, that''s what families really do. I don''t expect a chef to use frozen fish sticks, mashed potatoes and a salad to be on the menu, but I see NO challenge in what he did.

[riadiva]

Most of the spices should be in your pantry, if you are any kind of a good cook. You guys are so envious, you think Food Network is gonna miss you not tuning in? I dont think so, this was the better choice. Lisa was good but not unique. There are hundreds of Lisa types all over the networks. This man has a story and a presence he cooks well and he makes you feel good. Congrats Big Daddy we love you

[cyberus-2009]

Oh and one more thing ... where in the heck did they get St Louis cut ribs for $3 a pound???????

[cyberus-2009]

Once again government math was used to make the "budget".

Items not included on the cost list:
1st course
6 eggs
2nd course
3 cups brown sugar
1/2 lb salted butter
Dessert
2 eggs
1 cup brown sugar

The 2 eggs on the dessert would have busted the budget.

[princessessa]

I think Aaron is a real sweet "down-to-earth" guy. I think he will be very successful on the food network. I think his recipes look quite awesome. YOU GO BIG DADDY!!

[tomanyt]

CelticSinger...I agree 100%.

[GeorgiaSongbird]

We watched the entire season of Food Network Star, and Aaron was definitely NOT the star! We love Food Network, but this is one show we will not be watching. The other two finalists, especially Lisa, were much more talented, interesting, polished and appealing on camera. Big mistake here.....

[aztecdakota]

40 DOLLARS!! One family meal? There are 3 meals a day you know. Try that on Social Security, with grandchildren. God, you people are sooo lucky.

[tomanyt]

This guy is ssssssssooooooooooooooo boring.

[pyhouston]

I do believe you went over your budget? I did not see the price of the eggs. However, I do plan to try this recipe today!

[ritam9]

How did he get the brown sugar, cinnamon, eggs, butter, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, vanilla, foil and black pepper. Were they donated from the last chef? I have never put on a meal leaving the grocery under $40. I thought I would try it but then discovered all the necessary items were not itemized.

[ritam9]

How did he get the brown sugar, cinnamon, eggs, butter, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, vanilla, foil and black pepper. Were they donated from the last chef? I have never put on a meal leaving the grocery under $40. I thought I would try it but then discovered all the necessary items were not itemized.

[ritam9]

How did he get the brown sugar, cinnamon, eggs, butter, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, vanilla, foil and black pepper. Were they donated from the last chef? I have never put on a meal leaving the grocery under $40. I thought I would try it but then discovered all the necessary items were not itemized.

[rbatem]

You didn''t include the price of the 6 eggs in the salad. Recipes sound good and we will try them tonight!