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
Cooking Basics: Eggs and Easy Breakfasts
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 - 4:00pm - 5:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This class is for beginner cooks with limited kitchen experience. Participants will learn the parts of a nutritionally balanced breakfast and how to prepare simple items through a mix of demonstration and hands-on activities.
We will learn how to:
- make hard-boiled eggs
- separate egg whites from the yolk
- scramble eggs
- cook oatmeal
Participants will also prepare egg muffin cups and baked oatmeal squares.
This program is for first-time Teaching Kitchen participants only. Registrations from anyone who has previously attended a kitchen class will be canceled.
This program is provided in partnership with the American Heart Association.
Bake Together: Bugs and Blooms Marshmallow Fondant Cookie Decorating
Saturday, March 21, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 8 - 12
Class registration and more information
Add some sweetness to your spring afternoon! In this hands-on Bake Together workshop, you’ll learn how to make soft, delicious marshmallow fondant from scratch and then learn some fun techniques to use it to decorate prebaked sugar cookies into fun bugs, butterflies, and blooms. No piping required!
This is a pairs cooking class. It is intended for one child that is 8-12 years old and one adult per pair.
Books and Bites: A Taste of Maryland Authors
Monday, March 23, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
As part of the Maryland 250 celebration, let's meet in the Teaching Kitchen to make a traditional Maryland favorite, Savory Crabmeat Cobbler, followed by a discussion of Maryland authors 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.
Cheese Basics: Taste & Explore
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - 10:30am - 11:30amAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This class introduces simple methods for tasting and describing cheese with confidence. You’ll learn to slow down, notice details, and build your cheese vocabulary.
Intro to Vacuum Forming: Maryland Flag Chocolate Mold
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we will discuss some aspects of 3D design that are important to designing for mold creation and learn how to use Exploration Commons' Vaquform machines to create a mold. Then, we'll head to the teaching kitchen to make a chocolate Maryland flag with our newly created molds.
Advanced Baking: German Chocolate Cake
Thursday, March 26, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn to prepare a classic German Chocolate Cake in this hands-on class. We will make a rich chocolate layer cake topped with a custard-style coconut pecan icing. Participants will work in pairs to prepare one 8-inch layer cake, which will be divided so each person takes home half a finished cake. The recipe for this class contains gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, and coconut.
We will have a short 30-minute break during this class; you may want to bring a lunch or snack to be consumed during the break.
Custom Teacup and Chai
Saturday, March 28, 2026 - 1:30pm - 4:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Join special guest instructor Garima Chaturvedi in this hands-on traditional chai class. We’ll use design software and our Fusion Pro laser cutter to engrave custom designs on wooden teacups and then head to the kitchen for tea tasting.
Advanced Baking: German Chocolate Cake
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn to prepare a classic German Chocolate Cake in this hands-on class. We will make a rich chocolate layer cake topped with a custard-style coconut pecan icing. Participants will work in pairs to prepare one 8-inch layer cake, which will be divided so each person takes home half a finished cake. The recipe for this class contains gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, and coconut.
We will have a short 30-minute break during this class; you may want to bring a lunch or snack to be consumed during the break.
Cheese Basics: Taste & Explore
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 - 6:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This class introduces simple methods for tasting and describing cheese with confidence. You’ll learn to slow down, notice details, and build your cheese vocabulary.