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
Candied Pecan Gift Bags
Friday, October 30, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Get ready for the holidays with this seasonal favorite, candied pecans. After learning how to make these treats, package them up to take home and share with loved ones!
Please remember to wear closed-toed shoes when you attend!
Halloween Horror d'Oeuvres
Saturday, October 31, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
"Bone" Appetit! Have a hauntingly good time making a variety of spooky-themed treats! Bloody Mary deviled eggs, fiendish shrimp fingers, roasted date roaches, antipasto char-BOO-terie, and skull caprese salad.
Baking Basics: Classic Pumpkin Roll
Monday, November 2, 2026 - 9:30am - 11:30amAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This hands-on bake-along class teaches you how to make a classic pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling. Participants will take home their delicious dessert to eat or freeze for Thanksgiving. CCPL's Westminster Branch staff member, Tina Mawhinney, and the Exploration Commons Teaching Kitchen staff will be teaching. If you have previously taken this class at EC50, please do not register so that someone else may have the opportunity to attend. Registration for all sessions of this class will open on 10/22.
Cooking for Wellness: Low-Carb Stuffing
Monday, November 2, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Stuffing is a holiday favorite for many, but if you’re trying to manage your carb intake, it may be difficult to decide what other carbs to sacrifice to stay on track. Enjoy more with this nutritious low-carb stuffing recipe. Make this recipe and enjoy a presentation on diabetes and low-carb eating with a registered dietitian. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Quick Dinner Series: Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi
Monday, November 2, 2026 - 6:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 13 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this Quick Dinner Series class, we will work in pairs to make a creamy pumpkin gnocchi with spinach and sausage. We will enjoy our meal together in the Teaching Kitchen.
Baking Basics: Classic Pumpkin Roll
Thursday, November 5, 2026 - 9:30am - 11:30amAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This hands-on bake-along class teaches you how to make a classic pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling. Participants will take home their delicious dessert to eat or freeze for Thanksgiving. CCPL's Westminster Branch staff member, Tina Mawhinney, and the Exploration Commons Teaching Kitchen staff will be teaching. If you have previously taken this class at EC50, please do not register so that someone else may have the opportunity to attend. Registration for all sessions of this class will open on 10/22.
Taste As You Go: The Art of Seasoning
Thursday, November 5, 2026 - 1:00pm - 2:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Explore the basics of balanced seasoning. Learn how salt and acid work together to transform flavors and how tasting as you go ensures perfectly seasoned dishes.
Baking Basics: Classic Pumpkin Roll
Thursday, November 5, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This hands-on bake-along class teaches you how to make a classic pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling. Participants will take home their delicious dessert to eat or freeze for Thanksgiving. CCPL's Westminster Branch staff member, Tina Mawhinney, and the Exploration Commons Teaching Kitchen staff will be teaching. If you have previously taken this class at EC50, please do not register so that someone else may have the opportunity to attend. Registration for all sessions of this class will open on 10/22.
Seasonal Butter Molds
Friday, November 6, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
In this combination makerspace/teaching kitchen class, learn to create your own custom seasonal butter molds. You will start in the makerspace and use our Vaquform machine along with preprinted festive fall shapes to make a custom mold. We will then head to the Teaching Kitchen to whip up delicious flavored butters and fill our newly created molds. Your final shaped butters will make a fun custom addition for your holiday table.
Cook Together: Rainbow Tacos
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 6 - 18
Class registration and more information
In this family-friendly class, you'll make a flavorful turkey and black bean taco filling and prepare a variety of colorful toppings while learning how eating the rainbow can support a healthy diet.
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
- You may fill the remaining two spots in the group with two additional participants, aged 6 or older, or leave them unfilled.
Baking Basics: Classic Pumpkin Roll
Thursday, November 12, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This hands-on bake-along class teaches you how to make a classic pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling. Participants will take home their delicious dessert to eat or freeze for Thanksgiving. CCPL's Westminster Branch staff member, Tina Mawhinney, and the Exploration Commons Teaching Kitchen staff will be teaching. If you have previously taken this class at EC50, please do not register so that someone else may have the opportunity to attend. Registration for all sessions of this class will open on 10/22.