All CCPL locations will be closed Wednesday, December 31 through Thursday, January 1 for the New Year's Day Holiday. We will reopen for regular hours on Friday, January 2.
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, December 29, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Join guest instructor Polly O'Hair to make a pan of traditional old-fashioned cooked chocolate fudge.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 30, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:15pm
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.
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 unfilled.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, January 3, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 13 - 18
Class 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. We will prepare a hearty chicken noodle soup recipe, perfect for cold winter evenings or when anyone is feeling under the weather.
Exploration Commons
Monday, January 5, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
It’s the start of a new year! Review the basics of nutrition with a registered dietitian and discuss how to set your goals for the year while enjoying a healthful, balanced meal. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Exploration Commons
Monday, January 5, 2026 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to make sweet crepes from scratch! We'll finish with fruit fillings and a variety of toppings.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, January 8, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to identify, pick, and prepare root vegetables for roasting. We will roast vegetables for a tasty soup and side dishes that are easy and economical. This program is ideal for beginning cooks. This program is provided in partnership with the American Heart Association.
Exploration Commons
Friday, January 9, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ages: Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn what makes tiramisu an irresistible classic! Participants will learn what tiramisu is and create their very own to take home to share. Registration is for two people. Each pair will make ONE tiramisu to take home and share.
Exploration Commons
Monday, January 12, 2026 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Let's meet in the Teaching Kitchen to make Vanilla Cardamom Blondies. While they bake, enjoy some tea and join in a discussion of the newest biographies led by Westminster Branch librarians. This is a joint program with CCPL's Westminster Branch and Exploration Commons. Books will be available to check out at the event.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class 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.
Exploration Commons
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.
Exploration Commons
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.
Exploration Commons
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.
Exploration Commons
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.
Exploration Commons
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.