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
Saturday, January 24, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Customize chocolates for yourself or your valentine 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 make our custom chocolates.
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day with a timeless favorite! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to make an ultra-moist boiled chocolate cake—an old-fashioned technique that creates incredible depth of flavor and a moist, velvety crumb. We’ll finish it off by whipping up a rich, fluffy chocolate buttercream to pipe on top.
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will master blackened salmon with a homemade smoky spice crust. We’ll cover seasoning, searing, and simple sides for an easy, flavorful meal.
Thursday, January 29, 2026 - 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Get ready for a bowl full of comfort! In this fun demonstration class, watch us simmer, stir, and sprinkle our way to the ultimate Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup—loaded with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and silky creaminess. It’s cozy, hearty, and totally delicious.
Saturday, January 31, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:15pm
Ages: 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.
Each registration is for a table that seats up to 4 attendees. If a child ages 6-16 is attending, the group must include at least one adult.
Saturday, January 31, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Customize chocolates for yourself or your valentine 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 make our custom chocolates.
Monday, February 2, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
It’s time to broaden your protein horizons for Heart Health Month. Research supports embracing plant-based proteins to support a healthy heart, and while tofu isn’t everyone's favorite texture, there are plenty of other whole food sources of plant protein. Tempeh is an excellent choice and the perfect pairing for a discussion on a heart-healthy diet. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Monday, February 2, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Class registration and more information
Get together for an evening in the kitchen with Brian Roche, owner of Smokin' Roche's BBQ, and make several delicious snacks everyone will enjoy while watching the Big Game.
Thursday, February 5, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: Adults
Class registration and more information
Bake a delicious sweet for your sweethearts. This strawberry roll cake is decorated with hearts, baked, and filled with strawberry jam.
Monday, February 9, 2026 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This chicken egg roll in a bowl is a 30-minute meal that blends plant and animal proteins with familiar flavors to create a colorful and energy-boosting dish. We'll enjoy our meal together in the teaching kitchen.
Thursday, February 12, 2026 - 4:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Class registration and more information
Bring your favorite gal pal for a Galentine's Day cooking class. Recipes will include Strawberry and Goat Cheese Crostini, Lobster Ravioli in Brown Butter Sauce, Waffles with Bourbon Barrel Maple Syrup, and Chocolate Covered Strawberries. This is a hands-on cooking class. One registration per group of two. Please list additional attendee names at the time of registration.
Friday, February 13, 2026 - 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will master blackened salmon with a homemade smoky spice crust. We’ll cover seasoning, searing, and simple sides for an easy, flavorful meal.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will make a comforting but simple vegetarian soup and fresh salad while learning how to bloom spices and whisk up a simple vinaigrette. Together, we’ll create a cozy, flavorful meal perfect for any season.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to make sweet crepes from scratch! We'll finish with fruit fillings and a variety of toppings.
Thursday, February 19, 2026 - 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Add some sweetness to your winter afternoon! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to make soft, delicious marshmallow fondant from scratch and then learn some fun techniques to use it to decorate adorable snowman and snowflake prebaked sugar cookies. No piping required!
Friday, February 20, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on cooking series for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and people without, we will prepare a hearty chicken noodle soup recipe. Perfect for cold winter days or when you're feeling under the weather.