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
Italian Biscotti
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to make crispy, twice-baked Italian Biscotti Cookies. Each table will make a different flavor batch to be split evenly among registrants. We'll make espresso drinks while the cookies bake so we can enjoy our biscotti as a traditional treat dipped in coffee!
Wok Cooking Basics
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on class, gain an introductory understanding of wok cooking and learn how to prepare your recipe for the best results. We will prepare a plant-based recipe to practice our new cooking skill.
Class format: Class capacity is 10 people. Registrants will cook with one other attendee in this class to prepare a dish to share between them.
Basic Knife Skills
Thursday, June 11, 2026 - 1:00pm - 2:30pmAges: 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.
Italian Biscotti
Monday, June 15, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to make crispy, twice-baked Italian Biscotti Cookies. Each table will make a different flavor batch to be split evenly among registrants. We'll make espresso drinks while the cookies bake so we can enjoy our biscotti as a traditional treat dipped in coffee!
Kids Bake: Mini Fruit Tarts
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 - 11:00am - 1:00pmAges: 10 - 17
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will make sweet and tender mini Pâte Sucrée Tart Shells and rich Vanilla Pastry Cream, then top them off with beautiful fruit patterns.
Wok Cooking Basics
Thursday, June 18, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on class, gain an introductory understanding of wok cooking and learn how to prepare your recipe for the best results. We will prepare a plant-based recipe to practice our new cooking skill.
Class format: Class capacity is 10 people. Registrants will cook with one other attendee in this class to prepare a dish to share between them.
Bake Together Kids: Bugs and Blooms Marshmallow Fondant Cookie Decorating
Saturday, June 20, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 8 - 12
Class registration and more information
Add some sweetness to your summer 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.
Bake Together Teens: Bugs and Blooms Marshmallow Fondant Cookie Decorating
Monday, June 22, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 13 - 17
Class registration and more information
This is a pairs cooking class. It is intended for one teen ages 13-17 and one adult per pair. The teen is the registrant.
Add some sweetness to your summer 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!