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
Tiramisu
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 - 2:30pm - 4:00pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn what makes tiramisu an irresistible classic! Participants will learn what tiramisu is and create their very own to take home to share.
Bright, Beautiful Salads
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 - 11:00am - 12:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on cooking class, participants will prepare bright, beautiful salads inspired by flavors from around the world. Learn simple techniques for balancing vibrant flavors, textures, and homemade dressings.
Knife Skills Practice: Ratatouille
Thursday, July 2, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Do you need to brush up on your knife skills? In this two-hour refresher class, we'll cover the basic cuts and create a delicious ratatouille to bake at home. The class is intended for participants who have completed a basic knife skills class.
Cooking for Wellness: Flatbread and Shakshuka
Monday, July 6, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Enjoy a flavored pack meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day without the added salt! Make a savory tomato stew with soft eggs and a fresh flatbread to dip in it. Enjoy this meal while discussing the DASH diet with a registered dietitian. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Easy Weeknight: Thai Beef with Coconut Rice
Monday, July 6, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Add some new flavors to your busy evenings in this hands-on cooking class. Join us in making this fast but tasty, spicy-sweet ground beef stir-fry, served over creamy coconut rice.
Teens Cook: Celebrate America 250 with American Diner Classics
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 - 10:30am - 1:00pmAges: 12 - 17
Class registration and more information
Come work at your own American diner for the day! We'll learn to take orders, cook, and serve American classics: All-Beef Cheeseburgers, French Fries, Milkshakes or Malts. We'll enjoy lunch together and then properly clean up the kitchen. Closed-toed shoes required.
Gardening for the Kitchen
Thursday, July 9, 2026 - 1:00pm - 2:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Unleash your creativity with herbs as we explore how to grow and use them in your favorite recipes! Join Joanna Compton, owner of Growing Partners, to explore the fascinating world of herbs and discover how they complement each other in the garden and the kitchen. Whether you're an experienced cook or enthusiastic gardener, she'll guide you through selecting the right herbs for your garden. Tastings include various dishes made with rosemary, cooked, baked, and even infused beverages. Recipes include Peach Rosemary Mocktails, Orzo Lemon & Rosemary Salad, and Rosemary-Kissed Orange Thumbprint Cookies Tuscano.
Note: Closed-toed shoes are required in the Teaching Kitchen.
Cook Together: Brunch with Friends
Saturday, July 11, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Come with your friends to this fun, hands-on, brunch-inspired class. Recipes include Crème Brûlée Stuffed French Toast, Customizable Quiche, Candied Bacon, and Summer Fruit with Lime Mint Sugar.
Each registered group will work together to create recipes and then enjoy eating their creations. Each group should be at least two people but can be up to four people.
Kids in the Kitchen: Fruit Hand Pies
Monday, July 13, 2026 - 1:00pm - 2:00pmAges: 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!