Simply Done, Well Done [Paperback]

Aaron McCargo (Author)

Book Description

Release date: April 5, 2011

The first cookbook from Food Network star Aaron McCargo
Simply Done, Well Done is the new cookbook from one of the television’s fastest-rising stars. Aaron McCargo won the fourth season of The Next Food Network Star in 2008 and is quickly becoming a household name. Now starring in his own Food Network show, Big Daddy’s House, McCargo shares his passion for big, bold flavors and fun family cooking.
Simple, flavorful, and down to earth, these mouthwatering recipes are sure to satisfy every member of the family. Leaving out the fussy cooking techniques and hard-to-find ingredients, McCargo shows you how to create bold flavors and satisfying dishes like Spicy Beef Quesadillas, Jerk Chicken with Smoked Gouda Sandwiches, or Salisbury Steak Bundles. And if, somehow, friends and family have room left for dessert, they’ll love his Candybar Cookies and Tiramisu Cupcakes.
•    Includes 120 recipes covering soups, salads, appetizers, side dishes, main courses, sandwiches, sauces, and desserts
•    Features enticing full-color photographs throughout
When it’s time to cook for the family, Simply Done, Well Done will make sure that “delicious” is definitely on the menu.

Sample Recipes

Savory Taco Chicken Pizza with Guacamole and Chipotle Salsa

Tiramisu Cupcakes

Stuffed Grilled Boneless Pork Chops with Hickory Bacon, Smoked Gouda, and Marmalade Glaze

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

bold, flavorful food the whole family will love

In Simply Done, Well Done, Aaron McCargo, Jr.–the star of the Food Network's Big Daddy's House–shares 120 of the fun, family-friendly recipes that have made him a rising star. From hearty comfort foods to classic barbecue favorites to radically delicious desserts, Aaron whips up mouth watering dishes inspired by family, friends, and good times shared over great food. With simple techniques and audacious ideas, he delivers big flavors and big fun with recipes like Spicy Beef Quesadillas, Pepperoni-Cheeseburger Turnovers, and Tiramisu Cupcakes.

With his trademark charm and straight forward kitchen instruction, Aaron explains the basic cooking skills and the vital ingredients that make big, bold cooking easy for any cook. For home-cooked meals that will knock your socks off and satisfy even the heartiest of appetites, look no further than Simply Done, Well Done. Gather the family around the table and get ready for some serious fun!

About the Author

Aaron McCargo, Jr., was the winner of season four of The Next Food Network Star and currently stars in Big Daddy's House on Food Network. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; 1 edition (April 5, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470615338
• ISBN-13: 978-0470615331
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.6 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #189,158 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Aaron McCargo, Jr. competed on and won season four of The Next Food Network Star in 2008, beating out thousands of culinary hopefuls for the ultimate dream job - his own Food Network show. Big Daddy's House premiered August 3, 2008 and ranked as the number one "In the Kitchen" weekend show during its initial six-episode run. With the show's continued success,Aaron consistently films new episodes of Big Daddy's House with Follow Productions outside Philadelphia.

On Big Daddy's House, Aaron shares his passion for big, bold flavors and fun, family cooking. From comfort foods to barbeque favorites to breakfast delights, Aaron whips up mouth-watering recipes inspired by many years of culinary experience and his fun-loving family while bringing a down-to-earth vibe and warm smile to the kitchen. Whether cooking with his children, relatives,friends, or even by himself, big food and big fun reign supreme.

A family man who adores all things flavorful, Aaron's passion for cooking was sparked at the age of four when he started baking cakes in his sister's Easy Bake Oven. At the age of 13, Aaron worked as a Junior Volunteer in the kitchen at Cooper Hospital University. From there Aaron's entrepreneurial spirit set in as he began making and selling cakes and cookies to his childhood friends. He has since worked in nine New Jersey restaurants including casual and fine dining.

In 2003, Aaron opened his own restaurant in Camden, N.J., called McCargo's Restaurant. Most recently, Aaron served as the Executive Chef of Catering at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. He attended Atlantic Cape Community College's Academy of Culinary Arts.

Aaron has been featured on numerous national news programs including The Today Show, Regis and Kelly, and Rachael Ray. His rise to fame has been covered everywhere from The New York Times, to Essence Magazine. As a contributing editor for both the June and July 2009 issues of Essence Magazine, Aaron shared his insight on one of his favorite topics: how to get the family into the kitchen.

Aaron has successfully launched his first signature spice line, now available
online and continues to donate his spare time to nonprofits likes Share Our Strength and their Great American Dine Out to help end childhood hunger.

Born and raised in Camden, N.J., Aaron regularly speaks to youth at schools and community events illustrating that they too can succeed despite the odds. He is also the founder of the Play to Win Charity to increase the graduation rates of male youths. Honoring him for his success and service, Camden Mayor Gwendolyn Faison presented Aaron with the keys to the city in 2008 and designated September 25 as Aaron McCargo, Jr. Day.

Aaron comes from a large family (he has five brothers and sisters) whose constant support has helped him achieve his goals. In his spare time, Aaron enjoys Bible study, tennis, buffalo wings,watching sports, and traveling.

Married with three children, Aaron lives with his family in New
Jersey.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars More than just a cookbook.... March 30, 2011

By AddyeB

Format:Paperback

What strikes me the most about this book is that it's more than just a cookbook, it's a story, a miniature novel that grabs your attention and leaves you unable to put it down until you've reached the end. I've owned and read other cookbooks by other chefs, but none of them seem to bring the authors/chefs to life like this one does. Reading this felt like I was sitting down and having a conversation w/Mr. McCargo in his living room or kitchen. It's warm, inviting, laid back, simple, and thoroughly enjoying to read from beginning to end. Having watched him on "Big Daddy's House" on Food Network and having met him in person, it's great to see how his personality and easy going, fun demeanor come to life in the pages of Simply Done. Gorgeous pictures-colorful, bright, and captivating enough to make me hungry just looking at them lol. I really love how he added "how to's" and other educational peices of information about knives, different foods, spices, etc that help you become more knowledgeable about food and cooking. A must have for anyone who loves to cook at home or professionally-I can't wait to try some of these recipes!!!!!!!!!!!!!

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Food Found Here April 17, 2011

By EatMoreGreatFood

Format:Paperback

I LOVE to cook for my family and friends. Food brings people together in a special way that allows us nourish our mind, body and spirit. What is better than being surrounded by family and friends who love each other, while we share in life's great experiences? SIMPLY DONE WELL DONE is the road map to food happiness. :-) Aaron McCargo, Jr. has brought food to life in his wonderful book and each recipe is a celebration of life. I took a detour and instead of trying the recipes first, I invited some friends over on a Friday night and with some great jazz music playing in the background, we created a festival of food that put a smile on our face, love in our hearts and a song in our tummy! The CORNED BEEF REUBEN CASSEROLE was unreal! Easy to make, filled with flavor and the perfect blend of rich taste. We were a little skeptical about making the STUFFED GRILLED BONELESS PORK CHOPS with HICKORY BACON, SMOKED GOUDA and MARMALADE GLAZE because we were intimated by the picture. But let me tell you this, the dish was not only SIMPLE, but AMAZING and OUT OF THIS WORLD. My girlfriends and I still hum when we talk about it! The TOASTED JASMINE with CRUNCHY BEAN SPROUTS and CREAMED SPINACH and TURNIP CASSEROLE were equally easy, but mind altering and out of body! One of the best features of this book was the CONDIMENTS in the back! The ARUGULA MAYO is off the charts! I would have never thought of those two ingredients as a combo, but once I tried it there was no turning back! Watching BIG DADDY's HOUSE on TV always felt like I had to have a lot of kitchen experience to try some of the recipes, but this book made me feel like a winner!

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome cookbook for entire family April 13, 2011

By bdizzle

Format:Paperback

We've tried the Sliders w/ Pesto Mayo, Cheddar Cheese and Caramerlized onions -- Ridiculously tasty. We also tried the Orzo, Squash & Bacon dish - loved it. Want to try the soups but may save those for the Fall. Chicken Taco Pizza w/ Chipotle is next for the kiddos and Stuffed Pork Chops w/ Bacon, Gouda and Marmalade Glaze is next fo the grown ups. Cool tips and personal anecdotes from Aaron accompany alot of the recipes. Highly recommended (worth the price just for the sauce & soup recipes).