Location
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
School
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Mount Mary University
Expertise
Asian Cooking, Organic & Natural Food, Food Writing
- Before becoming a writer, Craig made sushi for 10 years at Sendiks — an upscale food market — creating and perfecting numerous original recipes for which he received a write-up in Milwaukee Magazine.
- He has worked numerous jobs within the food space, including doing cooking demos, conducting natural foods classes, and teaching cooking and food making at the Milwaukee Recreation Department.
- Craig cultivates his interest in organic food and ethnic cooking as a home chef and enjoys making food for his family.
Experience
Craig began his culinary journey with his first official high-school job as a cook at a well-known Milwaukee-area burger and custard joint called Kopp's. He developed a passion for discovering the stories behind food, including where ingredients come from, how they are used, and the history behind treasured recipes and food styles. Craig pursued this interest by telling the stories of food makers and producers, highlighting organic farming, noteworthy chefs and their businesses, and locally produced organic teas while working as a multimedia specialist at Outpost Natural Foods co-op. He has also written food, drink, and restaurant articles for MKE Lifestyle Magazine, among other writing venues.
Education
Craig holds a B.A. in anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and an M.A. in English with a writing concentration from Mount Mary University. He won an all-college award as a student journalist at Arches, the Mount Mary University newspaper, and was inducted into Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honors Society.
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It's hard to keep track of which food conglomerate owns what, when they acquire so many businesses. If you want to shop American-owned, avoid this brand.
By Craig Mattson
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There are so many tips and tricks for peeling boiled eggs, it's hard to know which actually work. So, we put one to the test: peeling with a spoon.
By Craig Mattson
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Sick of trying to peel hard-boiled eggs and only making a mess in the process? Try this simple spoon trick to get it done with ease every time.
By Craig Mattson
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Stores and Chains
By Craig Mattson
Like most of the Aldi private-label items, lettuce and salad kits are produced by third-party manufacturers, often by big-brand food companies.
By Craig Mattson
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Trader Joe's
By Craig Mattson
Many of Trader Joe's products are private-label, produced anonymously by big-name companies. What about its chicken? Here's what we know about TJ's poultry.
By Craig Mattson
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Stores and Chains
By Craig Mattson
If you're concerned about reducing waste, you might be wondering what happens to Target's excess kitchen items. Here's what we know about where they go.
By Craig Mattson
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Grilled pork chops are a divine treat, so long as you brine them properly. Don't just use salt and water, though; use this delicious ingredient combo.
By Craig Mattson
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Trader Joe's
By Craig Mattson
That these two mac and cheeses taste similar may be more than coincidental, but private-label manufacturers rarely make the connection obvious.
By Craig Mattson
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If you want ultra tender pork ribs, there's one particular type of rib that stands out above all the rest. Here's why it's the juiciest option.
By Craig Mattson
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Japanese-inspired ingredients can transform a classic hot dog. A few simple sauces and toppings create a texture-packed meal that's easy to make at home.
By Craig Mattson
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Kitchen Tools
By Craig Mattson
In the interests of scoring a good deal, you might be considering unsold or returned items at restaurant supply stores. Here's what they do with these items.
By Craig Mattson
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This hot breakfast from the early 1900s runs circles around grits and Cream of Wheat with its sweet, nutty taste and infamously delightful texture.
By Craig Mattson
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Food History
By Craig Mattson
Watermelon is an essential treat during the summer. While there are over 30 states that grow watermelon, this is the one that produces the biggest yield.
By Craig Mattson
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Add a flavorful twist to your standard pot roast with this canned ingredient you might already have. You can totally transform the dish with a few tweaks.
By Craig Mattson
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Ancient foods aren't always off the menu. This powerhouse, stunningly nutrient-rich ingredient used in ancient Egypt is waiting for you today.
By Craig Mattson
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Everyone loves a good batch of baby back ribs, but shake up your usual recipe next time by adding some inspiration from this Mexican dish.
By Craig Mattson
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Not everything broken needs to be thrown away. However, ceramic coffee mugs can become a sneaky hazard if you see any of these signs of damage.
By Craig Mattson
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If you're cooking your own brisket at home, wrapping it at the perfect time is absolutely crucial. Here are some tips to keep in mind when wrapping brisket.
By Craig Mattson
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If you were a fan of Chili's old ribs, here is how the casual chain's new version is different. While change can be tough, this one's actually pretty awesome.
By Craig Mattson
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Pork ribs are a great way to celebrate, but they can be tricky to get right. The 5-1-0 method helps you pull off a great meal every time.
By Craig Mattson
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Stores and Chains
By Craig Mattson
Ever wondered what happens to an appliance after you return it to Home Depot? The chain usually doesn't hold onto its returned appliances for very long.
By Craig Mattson
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Stores and Chains
By Craig Mattson
Unsold and returned items at Best Buy don't just disappear into a landfill. Here's what you need to know about how these appliances get a new life.
By Craig Mattson
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One surprising ingredient can add a delightfully spicy tang to your next potato salad. It might even make your spuds the talk of your next barbecue.
By Craig Mattson
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Shopping Tips
By Craig Mattson
If you want to save money on meat, you don't have to sacrifice flavor and texture along the way. Try this beef cut for a juicy taste reminiscent of prime rib.
By Craig Mattson
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Kitchen Tools
By Craig Mattson
Is your refrigerator's water dispenser going to last as long as your fridge? Knowing what affects your built-in water dispenser's lifespan can help it last.
By Craig Mattson
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Fast Food
By Craig Mattson
Every fast food chain has its own approach to leftovers, and methods can vary even further by individual franchise location. Here's what KFC does.
By Craig Mattson
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Kitchen Tools
By Craig Mattson
If you use a water filter pitcher at home, you might already know how often to replace your filter, but what about the pitcher itself? Here's what to know.
By Craig Mattson
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