COVID-19 Test Kit Update: Test kits are currently available at CCPL Headquarters, Eldersburg, Exploration Commons, Finksburg, Mount Airy, North Carroll, Taneytown and Westminster. Supplies are limited so please check back for updates.
The Teaching Kitchen
Exploration Commons Teaching Kitchen provides the community with creative and educational ways to connect through food.
Together we engage in experiences, programs, and hands-on classes to gain skills and confidence in the kitchen, both personally and professionally. We provide fundamental cooking classes, nutrition and health education, and workforce development opportunities for everyone in the community.
Our Approach to Food
Staff and guest presenters encourage curiosity of new cooking techniques and global cuisines to cultivate positive food experiences. We highlight accessible and affordable foods so participants feel empowered to recreate the recipes at home.
Our Approach to Community
We create programs to serve community members of all ages and local organizations. We foster respect of others and all food cultures by providing diverse and inclusive instruction.
Upcoming Classes and Programs
Exploration Commons
Monday, July 11, 2022 - 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This hands-on class will cover everything you need to know about caring for your knives and how to use them. You’ll learn how to chop, dice, mince and get plenty of practice with other professional cuts. This is a beginner's level class.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, July 14, 2022 - 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create your own fanciful bread art using fresh focaccia dough, veggies, and herbs.
Exploration Commons
Friday, July 15, 2022 - 10:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to safely preserve summer's bounty at home while enjoying the fresh flavors of home-cooked food. Join the University of Maryland Extension for hands-on experience with freezing fresh produce.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, July 20, 2022 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Celebrate Harry’s birthday in this Harry Potter-themed cooking class. Families will make butterbeer, pumpkin pasties, and more!
One registration fee per family, up to four family members. For families with children ages 6 and up; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, July 20, 2022 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get inspired to add a little creativity to your recipes with a spiralizer. Learn and sample dishes utilizing this fun kitchen tool that can help you add more veggies to your meals or entice reluctant eaters with this novel presentation.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, July 21, 2022 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 10 - 13
Registration and more information
Have s'more fun making five sweet treats. Recipes include S’mores Monkey Bread Muffins, S’more Cookie Bites, S’mores Pops, Oven S’mores Pies, and Mini S'mores.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, July 26, 2022 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - 17
Registration and more information
Join guest instructor Leticia Nortey from Expanding Boundaries International as she shares information and recipes from Ghana. We will prepare and enjoy some West African dishes in this hands-on cooking class. This program is for youth ages 12 -17; children must be accompanied by an adult.
This program is supported by the American Rescue Plan: Humanities Grants for Libraries an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, July 27, 2022 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class, we will make sweet and tender Pâte Sucrée Tart Shells and rich Vanilla Pastry Cream, then top them off with beautiful fruit patterns.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, July 30, 2022 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - 18
Registration and more information
Celebrate Harry’s birthday in this Harry Potter-themed cooking class. Teens will make butterbeer, pumpkin pasties, and more!
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, August 2, 2022 - 9:00am - 4:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
The ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Course is for individuals preparing to take the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification Exam. After taking the course and passing the proctored, multiple-choice exam, participants will receive a Food Protection Manager Certificate, valid for up to five (5) years. This course covers Food Safety Training; Foodborne Illness; Hygiene, Health & Food Safety; Flow of Food: Purchasing, Receiving, Storing, Preparing, Cooking and Serving; Environment: Equipment, Cleaning, Sanitizing, Pest Control and Facilities; and the HACCP System. This is a two-day class with session one on Tuesday, August 2, and session two on Tuesday, August 9.
©2018 National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (National Restaurant Association). All rights reserved. ServSafe is a trademark of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. National Restaurant Association® and the arc design are trademarks of the National Restaurant Association.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, August 3, 2022 - 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on cooking class, we’ll enjoy this popular summertime fruit in three different dishes including a savory watermelon salad and a watermelon mocktail.