The North Carroll branch will be closed Friday, October 9 through Monday, October 12, 2026 for parking lot repairs and paving. The book drop will also not be available until work is completed.

All CCPL locations will be closed for an all-day staff training on Monday, October 12. We will reopen for regular hours on Tuesday, October 13.

The Teaching Kitchen

Exploration Commons kitchen cookline picture

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

Marshmallow Fondant Cookie Decorating: Pumpkin Patch

Friday, October 9, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Add some sweetness to your fall evening! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to make soft, delicious marshmallow fondant from scratch and use it to decorate pumpkin-shaped prebaked sugar cookies. Learn how to add pretty details with molded fondant flowers or fun jack-o'-lantern faces using custom 3D-printed cutters.

No piping required! Perfect for all skill levels—come ready to learn, create, and leave with beautiful (and tasty!) treats. 

Traditional Mofongo

Wednesday, October 14, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Class registration and more information

Make a serving of traditional Puerto Rican mofongo. A classic dish served in many Latin American countries, mofongo is made of fried plantains mashed with garlic and chicharrón and is typically served with a side of meat or on a bed of broth.

Eggplant Pasta Primavera with Guest Presenter Andy Preziosi

Friday, October 16, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: Adults
Class registration and more information

Join guest presenter Andrew Preziosi and make eggplant pasta primavera. In this garden-fresh recipe, vegetables are lightly sautéed and simmered in the light juices of ripe tomatoes, sweetened with fresh herbs, then placed over hot pasta. Andrew Preziosi, a writing tutor with the Literacy Council, sees this recipe as a condensed version of "giambotta," a southern Italian vegetable stew, and a great way to use the surplus vegetables from his garden.  

Group Bake: Soft Pretzels

Saturday, October 17, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:45pm
Ages: 6 - 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.  

Each registration is for a table that seats up to 4 attendees. If a child aged 6 - 16 is attending, the group must include at least one adult. 

Making for Good: Hearty Soups

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 - 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Cook with purpose in this special Making for Good class. Participants will work together to prepare hearty batches of soup, enjoy a cup during class, and package the extra portions for donation to the Carroll Community College Food Locker, helping support students & staff facing food insecurity.