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
Make Your Own Crackers
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
Love crispy crackers but hate all the extra ingredients in store-bought? Learn to make crackers from scratch. We will be making two types of crackers, simple cheese crackers and fancy fruit and nut crackers. These will be great additions to your next charcuterie board or just make a great snack.
If you have previously taken this class at EC50, please do not register so that someone else may have the opportunity to attend.
Carroll County Beer Week 2026: Tastes and Tapas
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: Adults, 21 and older
Class registration and more information
Celebrate Carroll County Beer Week at Exploration Commons at 50 East's Teaching Kitchen. Join us to enjoy four delicious bites artfully paired with featured beers from four of our local breweries.
You must be 21 or older to attend; a government-issued photo ID is required. The cost is $25 per person, and there is limited seating of 20. Registration for both sessions will open on September 8.
Carroll County Beer Week 2026: Tastes and Tapas
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: Adults, 21 and older
Class registration and more information
Celebrate Carroll County Beer Week at Exploration Commons at 50 East's Teaching Kitchen. Join us to enjoy four delicious bites artfully paired with featured beers from four of our local breweries.
You must be 21 or older to attend; a government-issued photo ID is required. The cost is $25 per person, and there is limited seating of 20. Registration for both sessions will open on September 8.
Sfoglia di Mozzarella
Saturday, September 26, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:00pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Stretch fresh curds into mozzarella cheese, then create an iconic Italian appetizer, sfoglia. Sheets of mozzarella filled with roasted vegetables, prosciutto, and greens, then rolled and sliced and served with balsamic dressing. Each student will make one pound of fresh mozzarella for the recipe.
Books and Bites: Translated Fiction
Monday, September 28, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Translated fiction refers to novels and short stories written in a language other than English, then adapted for an English-speaking audience. These works offer a profound window into global cultures, diverse writing styles, and international storytelling traditions. We'll create a globally inspired treat followed by a book review led by Westminster Branch librarians. This is a joint program with CCPL's Westminster Branch and Exploration Commons. Books will be available to check out at the event.
Teens Cook: Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 13 - 18
Class registration and more information
Learn how to make a quick and flavorful beef and broccoli stir-fry that is perfect for busy weeknights. In this hands-on class, you'll prepare a recipe that is faster than ordering take-out and tastes even better.
Soft Pretzels
Thursday, October 1, 2026 - 10:30am - 12:45pmAges: 16 - 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.
Creating Customized Chocolates: Day One
Thursday, October 1, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Get festive for fall by learning to create customized chocolates in this two-session class! In session one, we'll create our designs in Fusion 360 and learn about the 3D printing process. In session two, we'll utilize our 3D prints and the makerspace's Vaquform machines to create custom molds. Then, we'll head to the teaching kitchen to learn how to mold chocolate and create our custom chocolates.
Quick Lunch: Singapore Noodles
Friday, October 2, 2026 - 11:00am - 12:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
While Singapore Noodles is actually a misnomer, it's popular in Asian-American takeout menus today. For this quick lunch, we will work in pairs to make a delicious meal of this popular rice noodle dish and enjoy it together for lunch in the kitchen.