The Eldersburg Branch will open at Noon on Friday, July 18, 2025, so the County can complete repairs to the parking lot. The parking lot and book drop will be closed during this time. We apologize for any inconvenience.
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
Saturday, July 19, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:45pm
Ages: 6 - 18
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on baking class! We’ll learn how to make delicious soft pretzels and a honey mustard dipping sauce to go with them.
This class is designed for groups of up to four participants and must include:
- At least one child aged 6–18
- At least one adult
- The remaining two spots in the group may be filled by additional participants aged 6 or older—or left open.
Exploration Commons
Monday, July 21, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 8 - 12
Registration and more information
Create your own fanciful bread art using fresh focaccia dough, veggies, and herbs.
Please only register for one of the four classes. Duplicates will be cancelled.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 8 - 12
Registration and more information
Create your own fanciful bread art using fresh focaccia dough, veggies, and herbs.
Please only register for one of the four classes. Duplicates will be cancelled.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 8 - 12
Registration and more information
Create your own fanciful bread art using fresh focaccia dough, veggies, and herbs.
Please only register for one of the four classes. Duplicates will be cancelled.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, July 24, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Tickets cost $40 and include the author talk, a signed copy of Cooking Maryland’s Way: Voices of a Diverse Cuisine, and a recipe demonstration.
Join food historian, author, and historical faux food artist Joyce White in the Teaching Kitchen for an informative evening reflecting on the chief cultural influences of Maryland's early foundational cuisine. Joyce will share her research on both foods and their methods of preparation as she demos traditional recipes for Hominy Patties and Beaten Biscuits. Seating is limited to 36 participants.
This program is part of the Carroll 250 Speaker Series celebrating the United States Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence.
Exploration Commons
Friday, July 25, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to cook delicious tofu dishes in this hands-on class. We’ll explore simple techniques for making tofu taste great and talk about the nutritional benefits of soy. This class is perfect for anyone curious about adding more plant-based protein to their meals.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, July 26, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Rescheduled from 7/12. If previously registered, please confirm your registration or cancellation. Attendees will be paired together to make a batch of the viral Dubai Chocolate Bars. These chocolate bars are filled with a mixture of crispy kataifi, pistachio cream, and tahini.
Exploration Commons
Monday, July 28, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
We will make a pork katsu bento box dinner, including fried pork katsu, fluffy white rice, and crisp cucumber sunomono salad.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 6 - 12
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will create Pokémon-themed snacks inspired by favorite characters.
This class is designed for groups of up to four participants and must include:
- At least one child aged 6–12
- At least one adult
- The remaining two spots in the group may be filled by additional participants aged 6 or older, or left unfilled.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The ServSafe® Food Handler course, taught by a Certified ServSafe® Instructor, provides basic food safety knowledge. This two-and-a-half-hour class covers five key areas: Basic Food Safety, Personal Hygiene, Cross Contamination and Allergens, Time and Temperature, and Cleaning and Sanitizing. At the end of the class, participants will take the online certification exam and will receive a certificate after passing it (in about one week).
©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, July 30, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
This hands-on experience will take you deep into the world of coxinha, Brazil’s ultimate street food snack. From making the perfect golden crust to stuffing it with a creamy chicken filling, you'll try every step of the process. And the best part? You get to make your own and enjoy every crispy, savory bite!
Exploration Commons
Saturday, August 2, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn to make fresh pasta from scratch in this hands-on class! You'll mix, knead, roll, and cut dough while practicing making classic shapes like fettuccine.
Exploration Commons
Monday, August 4, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
School is starting, and life seems to always get busier, whether or not we have kids! If you’re looking for a quick plant-based meal that you can make during the busiest of weeks, try a tofu curry! Enjoy while discussing mindful eating with a registered dietitian. This class is provided though our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, August 7, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Bake delicious classic lemon bars from scratch. Each participant will make a batch to take home and enjoy.
Exploration Commons
Friday, August 8, 2025 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 6 - 12
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will create Pokémon-themed snacks inspired by favorite characters. One registration fee per group, up to four participants. For groups with children ages six and up, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Exploration Commons
Monday, August 11, 2025 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: 13 - 17
Registration and more information
Create your own fanciful bread art using fresh focaccia dough, veggies, and herbs.
Exploration Commons
Monday, August 11, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Warm weather is perfect for crisp, cool shrimp ceviche! We'll make batches of shrimp ceviche and eat it with tortilla chips.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn about the health benefits of fermented foods and ways to add them to your everyday diet. In this demo class, we will review many types of products, from kefir to sauerkraut, sample recipes using these gut-healthy products, and discuss how you can use fermented products at home.