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
Kids in the Kitchen: Fruit Hand Pies
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 - 11:00am - 12:00pmAges: 8 - 12
Class registration and more information
Kids, get ready to roll, fill, crimp, and bake your own delicious fruit hand pies. In this tasty and fun kitchen class, young bakers will first create a homemade seasonal fruit filling and then tuck it into premade dough to create a flaky sweet summer treat. Reminder that closed-toed shoes are required in our kitchen!
Kids in the Kitchen: Fruit Hand Pies
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 - 5:30pm - 6:30pmAges: 8 - 12
Class registration and more information
Kids, get ready to roll, fill, crimp, and bake your own delicious fruit hand pies. In this tasty and fun kitchen class, young bakers will first create a homemade seasonal fruit filling and then tuck it into premade dough to create a flaky sweet summer treat. Reminder that closed-toed shoes are required in our kitchen!
Kids in the Kitchen: Fruit Hand Pies
Thursday, July 23, 2026 - 5:30pm - 6:30pmAges: 12 - 17
Class registration and more information
Kids, get ready to roll, fill, crimp, and bake your own delicious fruit hand pies. In this tasty and fun kitchen class, young bakers will first create a homemade seasonal fruit filling and then tuck it into premade dough to create a flaky sweet summer treat. Reminder that closed-toed shoes are required in our kitchen!
Books and Bites: Pigeon Cake
Friday, July 24, 2026 - 2:30pm - 4:00pmAges: 6 - 11
Class registration and more information
Join us for a Books and Bites program! Attendees will create a frosted Pigeon-shaped cake, and librarians from the Westminster Branch will do a storytime while we enjoy our cakes.
Each registration is for one child aged 6-11. In the questionnaire, please list the name of at least one adult caregiver to attend with their child and up to an additional two attendees (this can be another caregiver, a sibling, a friend, etc.), as each registration is for a table of up to four people total. Each table will make ONE (1) Pigeon cake.
Roasted Tomato Pasta Salad
Monday, July 27, 2026 - 5:00pm - 6:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn to make this fresh and flavorful summer side dish in this hands-on class. Zippy dressing, roasted tomatoes, and fresh herbs level up this summertime staple. A great addition to your next barbeque or summer gathering. There is no fee for this class.
Bake Together: Soft Pretzels
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:15pmAges: 6 - 18
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.
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 2 additional participants, aged 6 or older, or leave them unfilled.
The Perfect Patty Melt
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
Participants will make traditional patty melts and uncover the secrets to crafting the perfect patty melt, where juicy beef patties meet golden, grilled bread and a traditional Russian dressing.
Teens Bake: Soft Pretzels
Friday, July 31, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:45pmAges: 13 - 17
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.
Basic Knife Skills
Saturday, August 1, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pmAges: 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.
Cooking for Wellness: Sunshine Custard
Monday, August 3, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Enjoy a cooling treat that’s good for your bones! Discuss what you can do to help improve your bone health with a registered dietitian and make a tasty, spiced orange-cream dessert. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.