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
Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, January 26, 2022 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 11 - 17
Registration and more information
G'day, mates! Celebrate National Australia Day by making fair dinkum foods we all can celebrate. This is a hands-on cooking class. Recipes include Shrimp on the Barbie, Sausage Rolls, Lamington Cakes, and Fairy Bread.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, January 26, 2022 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 11 - 17
Registration and more information
G'day, mates! Celebrate National Australia Day by making fair dinkum foods we all can celebrate. This is a hands-on cooking class. Recipes include Shrimp on the Barbie, Sausage Rolls, Lamington Cakes, and Fairy Bread.
Dinner's on Me: Fajitas
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, January 26, 2022 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - 17
Registration and more information
Hey, teens! Let's meet in the kitchen to prepare a new recipe that will impress your family and friends. Improve your independent cooking skills with hands-on experience in the kitchen.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, January 26, 2022 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - 17
Registration and more information
Hey, teens! Let's meet in the kitchen to prepare a new recipe that will impress your family and friends. Improve your independent cooking skills with hands-on experience in the kitchen.
Making Customized Chocolate for Valentine's Day: Part 1 (Evening Session)
Exploration Commons
Thursday, January 27, 2022 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Customize chocolates for yourself or your valentine in this two-session class! We'll create our designs in Fusion 360, utilize 3D printing and the makerspace's Vaquform machines to create custom molds, and then head to the teaching kitchen to learn the process of molding chocolate. Part two will be held on Thursday, 2/3 at 6 PM.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, January 27, 2022 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Customize chocolates for yourself or your valentine in this two-session class! We'll create our designs in Fusion 360, utilize 3D printing and the makerspace's Vaquform machines to create custom molds, and then head to the teaching kitchen to learn the process of molding chocolate. Part two will be held on Thursday, 2/3 at 6 PM.
Teen Cooking: Hot Cocoa Bombs
Exploration Commons
Saturday, January 29, 2022 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 11 - 17
Registration and more information
Make your own hot cocoa bombs in this hands-on class! We’ll learn how to temper chocolate for the mold, fill it with cocoa mix, and decorate the outside.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, January 29, 2022 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 11 - 17
Registration and more information
Make your own hot cocoa bombs in this hands-on class! We’ll learn how to temper chocolate for the mold, fill it with cocoa mix, and decorate the outside.
Making Customized Chocolate for Valentine's Day: Part 2 (Saturday Session)
Exploration Commons
Saturday, January 29, 2022 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Customize chocolates for yourself or your valentine in this two-session class! We'll create our designs in Fusion 360, utilize 3D printing and the makerspace's Vaquform machines to create custom molds, and then head to the teaching kitchen to learn the process of molding chocolate.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, January 29, 2022 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Customize chocolates for yourself or your valentine in this two-session class! We'll create our designs in Fusion 360, utilize 3D printing and the makerspace's Vaquform machines to create custom molds, and then head to the teaching kitchen to learn the process of molding chocolate.
Hot Cocoa Bombs
Exploration Commons
Monday, January 31, 2022 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Make your own hot cocoa bombs in this hands-on class! We’ll learn how to temper chocolate for the mold, fill it with cocoa mix, and decorate the outside.
Exploration Commons
Monday, January 31, 2022 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Make your own hot cocoa bombs in this hands-on class! We’ll learn how to temper chocolate for the mold, fill it with cocoa mix, and decorate the outside.
Restaurant Roundtable
Exploration Commons
Monday, January 31, 2022 - 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Join a roundtable for chefs, managers, and restaurant owners in Carroll County and the surrounding area. Get together with your peers to discuss current issues, upcoming events, new menu items, personnel issues, and more. Hosted by the Teaching Kitchen at Exploration Commons at 50 East. There is no charge for this event and registration is requested, but not required. Guest chef AnnMarie Langton. This will be a quarterly event.
Exploration Commons
Monday, January 31, 2022 - 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Join a roundtable for chefs, managers, and restaurant owners in Carroll County and the surrounding area. Get together with your peers to discuss current issues, upcoming events, new menu items, personnel issues, and more. Hosted by the Teaching Kitchen at Exploration Commons at 50 East. There is no charge for this event and registration is requested, but not required. Guest chef AnnMarie Langton. This will be a quarterly event.
ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Two-Day Class: Day 1
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, February 1, 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, February 1, and session two on Tuesday, February 8.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, February 1, 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, February 1, and session two on Tuesday, February 8.
©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.
Making Customized Chocolate for Valentine's Day: Part 2 (Evening Session)
Exploration Commons
Thursday, February 3, 2022 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Customize chocolates for yourself or your valentine in this two-session class! We'll create our designs in Fusion 360, utilize 3D printing and the makerspace's Vaquform machines to create custom molds, and then head to the teaching kitchen to learn the process of molding chocolate.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, February 3, 2022 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Customize chocolates for yourself or your valentine in this two-session class! We'll create our designs in Fusion 360, utilize 3D printing and the makerspace's Vaquform machines to create custom molds, and then head to the teaching kitchen to learn the process of molding chocolate.
Dressed Up Ramen
Online
Friday, February 4, 2022 - 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 11 - Adults, Adults
More information
Take your everyday ramen bowl to the next level with these simple tweaks and add-ins! While keeping things simple, transform packet ramen from an easy hunger solution to a deliciously, satisfying experience. Media Production Tools were funded by an Infy Maker Award from Infosys Foundation USA.
Online
Friday, February 4, 2022 - 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 11 - Adults, Adults
More information
Take your everyday ramen bowl to the next level with these simple tweaks and add-ins! While keeping things simple, transform packet ramen from an easy hunger solution to a deliciously, satisfying experience. Media Production Tools were funded by an Infy Maker Award from Infosys Foundation USA.
Watch LIVE on our Facebook page or our YouTube channel.
Cooking Comfort Bowls
Exploration Commons
Saturday, February 5, 2022 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn a versatile formula for making savory bowls of goodness that are perfect for a cold-weather night. Get hands-on experience making these delicious plant-based comfort bowls in the teaching kitchen.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, February 5, 2022 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn a versatile formula for making savory bowls of goodness that are perfect for a cold-weather night. Get hands-on experience making these delicious plant-based comfort bowls in the teaching kitchen.
ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Two-Day Class: Day 2
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, February 8, 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, February 1, and session two on Tuesday, February 8.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, February 8, 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, February 1, and session two on Tuesday, February 8.
©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.
Stocks Under Pressure
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, February 8, 2022 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to use the electronic pressure cooker to cook stock and broth for your favorite soups and dishes. This demo class will highlight two different stock recipes and discuss ways to increase the nutrient density of your favorite recipes.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, February 8, 2022 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to use the electronic pressure cooker to cook stock and broth for your favorite soups and dishes. This demo class will highlight two different stock recipes and discuss ways to increase the nutrient density of your favorite recipes.
Family Baking Class: Apple Cider Donuts
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, February 8, 2022 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on family baking class! We’ll make baked apple cider donuts and learn basic baking skills. 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
Tuesday, February 8, 2022 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on family baking class! We’ll make baked apple cider donuts and learn basic baking skills. 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.
Savory Soup
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, February 9, 2022 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Winter is the perfect time to learn a new soup recipe. Refresh your basic cooking skills as we prepare a savory, warming soup you can cook again at home.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, February 9, 2022 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Winter is the perfect time to learn a new soup recipe. Refresh your basic cooking skills as we prepare a savory, warming soup you can cook again at home.
Galentine's Brunch in the Kitchen
Exploration Commons
Saturday, February 12, 2022 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Bring your favorite gal-pal for a Galentine's Day Brunch Cooking Class. Recipes will include Strawberry and Goat Cheese Crostini, Lobster Ravioli in Brown Butter Sauce, Waffles with Bourbon Barrel Maple Syrup and Chocolate Covered Strawberries. This is a hands-on cooking class. One registration per group, max group size of two.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, February 12, 2022 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Bring your favorite gal-pal for a Galentine's Day Brunch Cooking Class. Recipes will include Strawberry and Goat Cheese Crostini, Lobster Ravioli in Brown Butter Sauce, Waffles with Bourbon Barrel Maple Syrup and Chocolate Covered Strawberries. This is a hands-on cooking class. One registration per group, max group size of two.
Baking 101: Soft Pretzels
Exploration Commons
Monday, February 14, 2022 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on baking class! We’ll learn how to make delicious soft pretzels and dipping sauces to go along with them.
Exploration Commons
Monday, February 14, 2022 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on baking class! We’ll learn how to make delicious soft pretzels and dipping sauces to go along with them.
Kitchen Olympics for Homeschoolers
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, February 16, 2022 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 10 - 17
Registration and more information
Cook like a champion with our Kitchen Olympics. This is a hands-on cooking class specifically for home-schoolers. Celebrate the foods of Beijing as you practice basic cooking skills.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, February 16, 2022 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 10 - 17
Registration and more information
Cook like a champion with our Kitchen Olympics. This is a hands-on cooking class specifically for home-schoolers. Celebrate the foods of Beijing as you practice basic cooking skills.
Peppermint Pattie Candy Class
Exploration Commons
Thursday, February 17, 2022 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 11 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Celebrate National Chocolate Mint Day by creating your own delicious confections. This is a hands-on cooking class.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, February 17, 2022 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 11 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Celebrate National Chocolate Mint Day by creating your own delicious confections. This is a hands-on cooking class.
Easy, Flavorful Grain Salads
Exploration Commons
Saturday, February 19, 2022 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we’ll learn how to prepare comforting and delicious grain salads using grains you may not be familiar with such as kamut, wheat berries, and farro.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, February 19, 2022 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we’ll learn how to prepare comforting and delicious grain salads using grains you may not be familiar with such as kamut, wheat berries, and farro.