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
Healthy & Fast Weeknight Dinner
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Discover an easy, high-protein meal, Fish en Papillote, that uses a simple cooking technique that keeps fish tender and flavorful. In this hands-on class, you'll create a light dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but fits into any busy weeknight.
Dinner's on Me: Tacos
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 13 - 18
Class registration and more information
Hey, teens, let's meet in the kitchen to prepare a new recipe that will impress your family and friends. Improve your independent cooking skills with hands-on experience in the kitchen. We will prepare a delicious taco dinner that is perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
Cooking Basics: Pasta Making
Saturday, May 2, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn to make fresh pasta from scratch in this hands-on class! You'll mix, knead, roll, and cut dough while practicing making classic shapes like fettuccine.
Cooking for Wellness: Mediterranean Sardines on Avocado Toast
Monday, May 4, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
If you think you don’t like sardines, this recipe may change your mind! Enjoy a recipe that makes an excellent breakfast, lunch, or snack and is packed with healthy fats. This recipe will be accompanied by a presentation on healthy fats by a registered dietitian. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Cook Together: May the 4th Be with You
Monday, May 4, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 6 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Come join us in celebrating May 4th in the teaching kitchen with some intergalactic fun! We will be making a variety of tasty space-themed snacks to celebrate the day.
This class is designed for groups of up to 3 participants and must include:
- At least one child aged 6–18
- At least one adult
- The remaining spot in the group may be filled by additional participants aged 6 or older or left unfilled.
Sheet Pan Dinners
Thursday, May 7, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This class will prepare five different sheet pan dinners to sample: Rosemary Garlic Pork Chops with Chickpeas, All-Crust Chicken Pot Pie, Gnocchi with Sausage and Peppers, Garlic Lime Salmon Fajitas, and No-Fry Eggplant Parmesan.
Custom Wine Glass and Tasting
Saturday, May 9, 2026 - 1:30pm - 2:30pmAges: Adults, 21 and older
Class registration and more information
On day one of this class, we will learn some of the basics of the laser's rotary tool to create a design and engrave it onto stemless wine glasses. On day two, we will do wine tasting in the kitchen! You must be 21 or older to attend; a government-issued photo ID is required. You must also be Laser Certified for this class.
Custom Wine Glass and Tasting
Saturday, May 9, 2026 - 1:30pm - 2:30pmAges: Adults, 21 and older
Class registration and more information
On day one of this class, we will learn some of the basics of the laser's rotary tool to create a design and engrave it onto stemless wine glasses. On day two, we will do wine tasting in the kitchen! You must be 21 or older to attend; a government-issued photo ID is required.
Custom Wine Glass and Tasting
Saturday, May 9, 2026 - 1:30pm - 2:30pmAges: Adults, 21 and older
Class registration and more information
On day one of this class, we will learn some of the basics of the laser's rotary tool to create a design and engrave it onto stemless wine glasses. On day two, we will do wine tasting in the kitchen! You must be 21 or older to attend; a government-issued photo ID is required.
Make and Take: Custom Wine Glass and Tasting
Saturday, May 9, 2026 - 1:30pm - 2:30pmAges: Adults, 21 and older
Class registration and more information
This is a make-and-take for the custom wine glass and then an in-person event for the tasting on May 9th from 1:30-2:30pm. You must be 21 or older to attend; a government-issued photo ID is required.
Design your own wine glass art and engrave on a wine glass (provided by us) using our Epilog laser cutter! You must be certified to use the laser.
Then, return on May 9th at 1:30pm for our tasting event with Bernie of JeannieBird Baking Company. Come any time before May 9th to engrave your wine glass - no appointment necessary.
Cook Together: Easy Lasagna Roll Ups
Monday, May 11, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 6 - 17
Class registration and more information
In this family-friendly class, we will make delicious lasagna roll-ups and will enjoy our meal together in the kitchen. This class is designed for groups of up to four participants and must include:
At least one child aged 6–17
At least one adult
The remaining two spots in the group may be filled by additional participants aged 6 or older or left unfilled.