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
Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Exploration Commons
Friday, October 3, 2025 - 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class, attendees will be paired with another attendee to split a recipe for delicious unstuffed peppers! This recipe developed by the Teaching Kitchen Collaborative uses ground poultry, peppers, and seasonings to create a filling fall meal.
Exploration Commons
Friday, October 3, 2025 - 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class, attendees will be paired with another attendee to split a recipe for delicious unstuffed peppers! This recipe developed by the Teaching Kitchen Collaborative uses ground poultry, peppers, and seasonings to create a filling fall meal.
Asian-Style Dumplings
Exploration Commons
Saturday, October 4, 2025 - 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, learn to prepare Asian-style dumplings with premade wrappers.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, October 4, 2025 - 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, learn to prepare Asian-style dumplings with premade wrappers.
Cooking for Wellness: Winter Squash Soup
Exploration Commons
Monday, October 6, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
As the cold weather settles in, who wouldn’t love a creamy and warm, sweet and savory winter squash soup? This recipe is versatile and can be made with anything from butternut to kabocha squash. Enjoy this dish with a presentation on macronutrients. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Exploration Commons
Monday, October 6, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
As the cold weather settles in, who wouldn’t love a creamy and warm, sweet and savory winter squash soup? This recipe is versatile and can be made with anything from butternut to kabocha squash. Enjoy this dish with a presentation on macronutrients. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Baking Basics: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin Tops
Exploration Commons
Monday, October 6, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin Tops. Easy, quick, and delicious!
Exploration Commons
Monday, October 6, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin Tops. Easy, quick, and delicious!
Asian-Style Dumplings
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, learn to prepare Asian-style dumplings with premade wrappers.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, learn to prepare Asian-style dumplings with premade wrappers.
Creating Customized Chocolates: Day One
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 9, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get festive for fall by learning to create customized chocolates in this two-session class! In session one, we'll create our designs in Fusion 360 and learn about the 3D printing process. In session two, we'll utilize our 3D prints and the makerspace's Vaquform machines to create custom molds. Then, we'll head to the teaching kitchen to learn how to mold chocolate and create our custom chocolates.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 9, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get festive for fall by learning to create customized chocolates in this two-session class! In session one, we'll create our designs in Fusion 360 and learn about the 3D printing process. In session two, we'll utilize our 3D prints and the makerspace's Vaquform machines to create custom molds. Then, we'll head to the teaching kitchen to learn how to mold chocolate and create our custom chocolates.
Autumn Harvest Salads
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Celebrate fall with these festive autumn harvest salads! Each table will make a different recipe, and then all attendees will have the opportunity to sample each dish to find their favorite. Recipes will include:
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Celebrate fall with these festive autumn harvest salads! Each table will make a different recipe, and then all attendees will have the opportunity to sample each dish to find their favorite. Recipes will include:
- Crisp Apple and Butternut Squash Salad
- Harvest Quinoa Salad
- Fall Farro and Pomegranate Salad
- Roasted Pear and Arugala
- Fall Kale and Apple Salad
Creating Customized Chocolates: Day Two
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 16, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get festive for fall by learning to create customized chocolates in this two-session class! In session one, we'll create our designs in Fusion 360 and learn about the 3D printing process. In session two, we'll utilize our 3D prints and the makerspace's Vaquform machines to create custom molds. Then, we'll head to the teaching kitchen to learn how to mold chocolate and create our custom chocolates.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 16, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get festive for fall by learning to create customized chocolates in this two-session class! In session one, we'll create our designs in Fusion 360 and learn about the 3D printing process. In session two, we'll utilize our 3D prints and the makerspace's Vaquform machines to create custom molds. Then, we'll head to the teaching kitchen to learn how to mold chocolate and create our custom chocolates.
Edible Spheres
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will learn a simple technique to turn liquids into solid, edible spheres.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will learn a simple technique to turn liquids into solid, edible spheres.
Dinner's on Me: Asian-Style Dumplings
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 13 - 18
Registration and more information
Hey, teens! Let's meet in the kitchen to prepare a new recipe that will impress your family and friends. Strengthen your independent cooking skills with hands-on experience in the kitchen. This month we will prepare Asian-style dumplings with a tasty dipping sauce.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 13 - 18
Registration and more information
Hey, teens! Let's meet in the kitchen to prepare a new recipe that will impress your family and friends. Strengthen your independent cooking skills with hands-on experience in the kitchen. This month we will prepare Asian-style dumplings with a tasty dipping sauce.
Cooking Basics: Fall-Themed Caramel Apples
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 23, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Make fall-themed caramel apples from scratch. Participants will learn how to prepare and dip apples in caramel and chocolate and decorate them with fun toppings.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 23, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Make fall-themed caramel apples from scratch. Participants will learn how to prepare and dip apples in caramel and chocolate and decorate them with fun toppings.
Teens Cook: Edible Spheres
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 12 - 17
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will learn a simple technique to turn liquids into solid, edible spheres.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 12 - 17
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will learn a simple technique to turn liquids into solid, edible spheres.