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
Saturday, January 17, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:45pm
Ages: 6 - 18
Class 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.
Each registration is for a table that seats up to 4 attendees. If a child ages 6-16 is attending, the group must include at least one adult.
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Join guest presenter and Executive Director Andrea Berstler in our teaching kitchen to make hot turkey soup from scratch. We will eat a mug of soup and chat with the director, and all extra soup will go to benefit the local nonprofit HSP.
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this two-part class, we will first be engraving BBQ spatulas with a custom design and then be making BBQ seasoning for your next cookout.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 10:30am - 12:45pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class 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.
Thursday, January 22, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this two-part class, we will first be engraving BBQ spatulas with a custom design and then be making BBQ seasoning for your next cookout.
Friday, January 23, 2026 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class 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.
Saturday, January 24, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Customize chocolates for yourself or your valentine 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 make our custom chocolates.
Monday, January 26, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 12 - 18
Class registration and more information
Join us on a day off from school for a hands-on kitchen class! We’ll make Baked Apple Cider Donuts and learn basic baking skills.
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day with a timeless favorite! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to make an ultra-moist boiled chocolate cake—an old-fashioned technique that creates incredible depth of flavor and a moist, velvety crumb. We’ll finish it off by whipping up a rich, fluffy chocolate buttercream to pipe on top.
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will master blackened salmon with a homemade smoky spice crust. We’ll cover seasoning, searing, and simple sides for an easy, flavorful meal.
Thursday, January 29, 2026 - 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Get ready for a bowl full of comfort! In this fun demonstration class, watch us simmer, stir, and sprinkle our way to the ultimate Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup—loaded with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and silky creaminess. It’s cozy, hearty, and totally delicious.
Saturday, January 31, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Customize chocolates for yourself or your valentine 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 make our custom chocolates.
Monday, February 2, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
It’s time to broaden your protein horizons for Heart Health Month. Research supports embracing plant-based proteins to support a healthy heart, and while tofu isn’t everyone's favorite texture, there are plenty of other whole food sources of plant protein. Tempeh is an excellent choice and the perfect pairing for a discussion on a heart-healthy diet. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Monday, February 2, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Class registration and more information
Get together for an evening in the kitchen with Brian Roche, owner of Smokin' Roche's BBQ, and make several delicious snacks everyone will enjoy while watching the Big Game.
Thursday, February 5, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: Adults
Class registration and more information
Bake a delicious sweet for your sweethearts. This strawberry roll cake is decorated with hearts, baked, and filled with strawberry jam.
Monday, February 9, 2026 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This chicken egg roll in a bowl is a 30-minute meal that blends plant and animal proteins with familiar flavors to create a colorful and energy-boosting dish. We'll enjoy our meal together in the teaching kitchen.