Last summer, my family and I stumbled upon the last couple of episodes of “The Next Food Network Star” on the Food Network Channel. Not only did we become fans of the show, we became fans of the Food Network as well. The channel is a constant source of cool cooking tips and ideas.
As it turned out, Aaron McCargo Jr. won the 2008 “Next Star” title, despite some very talented competition. He now stars in his own show called “Big Daddy’s House”. Previous winners have been Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh, Guy Fieri, and Amy Finley.
If you check his FoodNetwork page online, you will find 75 or more of his best recipes. We’ve tried 6 or 7 of them, and have liked them all, but our favorite is McCargo’s spicy lettuce wraps. Follow the recipe closely, but for added flavor, double the quantities on the five-spice, cayenne, salt and pepper, so you have lots of the spice mix to rub into your chicken. Also, if you have time, make your own szechuan sauce with this recipe.
Mmmm, mmm, good.
The New Season of the Next Food Network Star starts on June 7, 2009. Tune in and root for your favorite aspiring TV Chef.
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Filed under: cooking, food, Kyle Design, recommendations, Reviews Tagged: | Aaron McCargo, Big Daddy's House, chef gifts, spicy lettuce wraps, The Next Food Network Star






