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
Monday, August 10, 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!
Cooking Demo: Spiralized Veggies
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Get inspired to add a little creativity to your recipes with a spiralizer. Learn and sample dishes utilizing this fun kitchen tool that can help you add more veggies to your meals or entice reluctant eaters with this novel presentation.
Teens Bake: Dot Cake
Thursday, August 13, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pmAges: 12 - 17
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we will make the viral dot cake cups with scratch-made confetti cake and vanilla buttercream icing.
Italian Biscotti
Friday, August 14, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:30amAges: 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!
Basic Knife Skills for Teens
Monday, August 17, 2026 - 1:00pm - 2:30pmAges: 13 - 18
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 for teens.
What's in Season: Zucchini
Thursday, August 20, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we will prepare a trio of recipes centered around this summer garden favorite, as well as discuss additional ideas for this prolific summer grower.
First Timers Baking Basics: Fresh Fruit Tarts
Saturday, August 22, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will make sweet and tender Pâte Sucrée Tart Shells and rich Vanilla Pastry Cream, then top them off with beautiful fruit patterns.
Registration for this class is for first-time Teaching Kitchen program attendees. Please do not register for this program if you have previously taken one of our kitchen programs.