The Teaching Kitchen
The 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, November 10, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this group cooking class, we will make festive quick-rise cinnamon rolls with cranberry and walnut cinnamon sugar filling as well as a maple cream cheese frosting from scratch. Each registration is for a table that seats up to 4 attendees. If a child ages 13-16 is attending, the group must include at least one adult.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - 17
Registration and more information
Step up your snacking game by creating a custom-engraved snack board! We'll personalize a bamboo snack board using Adobe Illustrator design software and our Fusion Pro laser cutter. Then head to the teaching kitchen to learn some tips and tricks while you fill the board with yummy snacks!
Exploration Commons
Saturday, November 15, 2025 - 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Take a trip around the world of coffee! Learn about bean origins, roasting temperatures, and types of grinding to brew the perfect cup of joe. Sample several varieties and evaluate using coffee flavor descriptors.
Exploration Commons
Monday, November 17, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This hands-on bake-along class teaches how to make a classic pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling. Participants will take home their delicious dessert to eat or freeze for Thanksgiving. CCPL's Westminster Branch staff member, Tina Mawhinney, and the Exploration Commons Teaching Kitchen will be teaching.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hybrid kitchen and makerspace class! We'll start in the kitchen, making a PA Dutch-style pumpkin pie. While our pies bake and chill, we'll learn some basics of Adobe Illustrator as we create graphics to laser engrave on our pie pan lids. Then we'll return to the kitchen to pick up the pies to take home!
If you have taken an Engraved Pie Lid class at EC50 in the past, please do not register for this class. This class is intended for new patrons/registrants only.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, November 20, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Explore the basics of balanced seasoning. Learn how salt and acid work together to transform flavors and how tasting as you go ensures perfectly seasoned dishes.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, November 22, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 15 - 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, and mince and get plenty of practice with other professional cuts. This is a beginner class. As this is a free program, please cancel if you are unable to attend to allow a waitlisted participant to take the class.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get a head start on your Thanksgiving dinner! We do the shopping, and you do the prep. You'll leave with three ready-to-cook-at-home dishes: Bourbon or Maple Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta, PA Dutch Potato Bread Filling, and a side of Zesty Cranberry Sauce. Each dish will serve eight to ten people. Please note there are two sessions being offered on 11/25.
If you have previously taken this class at EC50, please do not register so that someone else may have the opportunity to attend.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get a head start on your Thanksgiving dinner! We do the shopping, and you do the prep. You'll leave with three ready-to-cook-at-home dishes: Bourbon or Maple Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta, PA Dutch Potato Bread Filling, and a side of Zesty Cranberry Sauce. Each dish will serve eight to ten people.
If you have previously taken this class at EC50, please do not register so that someone else may have the opportunity to attend.
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 1, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Balance out heavy comfort foods with a unique salad infused with lots of holiday flavor and dense nutrition. Enjoy making this recipe while we discuss healthy eating over the holidays. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 1, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 6 - 17
Registration and more information
In this family-friendly class, we will make delicious lasagna roll-ups, a side salad, and festive tree-shaped garlic sticks. We will enjoy our meal together in the kitchen. This class is designed for groups of up to four participants and must include:
At least one child aged 6–17
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
Friday, December 5, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we will prepare and taste some plant-based dishes that are perfect for the holiday season.