The Teaching Kitchen
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
Teens Bake: Focaccia Bread Art
Exploration Commons
Monday, August 11, 2025 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: 13 - 17
Registration and more information
Create your own fanciful bread art using fresh focaccia dough, veggies, and herbs.
Exploration Commons
Monday, August 11, 2025 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: 13 - 17
Registration and more information
Create your own fanciful bread art using fresh focaccia dough, veggies, and herbs.
Shrimp Ceviche
Exploration Commons
Monday, August 11, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Warm weather is perfect for crisp, cool shrimp ceviche! We'll make batches of shrimp ceviche and eat it with tortilla chips.
Exploration Commons
Monday, August 11, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Warm weather is perfect for crisp, cool shrimp ceviche! We'll make batches of shrimp ceviche and eat it with tortilla chips.
Fantastic Ferments Demo
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn about the health benefits of fermented foods and ways to add them to your everyday diet. In this demo class, we will review many types of products, from kefir to sauerkraut, sample recipes using these gut-healthy products, and discuss how you can use fermented products at home.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn about the health benefits of fermented foods and ways to add them to your everyday diet. In this demo class, we will review many types of products, from kefir to sauerkraut, sample recipes using these gut-healthy products, and discuss how you can use fermented products at home.
Cooking with Tofu
Exploration Commons
Friday, August 15, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
NOTE: This class was scheduled on July 25, 2025. Due to building closure, it has been moved to August 15, 2025. Registration is currently open and will remain open until 72 hours before class begins.
Learn how to cook delicious tofu dishes in this hands-on class. We’ll explore simple techniques for making tofu taste great and talk about the nutritional benefits of soy. This class is perfect for anyone curious about adding more plant-based protein to their meals.
Exploration Commons
Friday, August 15, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
NOTE: This class was scheduled on July 25, 2025. Due to building closure, it has been moved to August 15, 2025. Registration is currently open and will remain open until 72 hours before class begins.
Learn how to cook delicious tofu dishes in this hands-on class. We’ll explore simple techniques for making tofu taste great and talk about the nutritional benefits of soy. This class is perfect for anyone curious about adding more plant-based protein to their meals.
Bake Together: Soft Pretzels
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:15pm
Ages: 6 - 18
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.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:15pm
Ages: 6 - 18
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
- The remaining two spots in the group may be filled by additional participants aged 6 or older—or left open.
Chef Stories: All About Honey with Mission Beelieve
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 - 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn what the buzz is all about with Monica Schmitt, Founder and CEO of Taneytown's Mission Beelieve. She will share her extensive knowledge of honey bees and honey processing, including tasting several varieties. We'll make some tasty recipes featuring honey and enjoy them while she discusses the nonprofit she started. This program is offered at no cost, and registration is limited. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend, so others may enjoy the program.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 - 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn what the buzz is all about with Monica Schmitt, Founder and CEO of Taneytown's Mission Beelieve. She will share her extensive knowledge of honey bees and honey processing, including tasting several varieties. We'll make some tasty recipes featuring honey and enjoy them while she discusses the nonprofit she started. This program is offered at no cost, and registration is limited. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend, so others may enjoy the program.
For more information about Mission Beelieve, visit www.missionbeelieve.com.
Start Your Day with Protein!
Exploration Commons
Thursday, August 21, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Guest presenter Amie Howard will be sharing the importance of starting your day with protein. We'll be making and enjoying several protein-based breakfast items. Amie, Nutritionist at BW Primary Care, will share tips, tricks, and recipes to help you incorporate more protein into your morning meals. There is no charge for this class.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, August 21, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Guest presenter Amie Howard will be sharing the importance of starting your day with protein. We'll be making and enjoying several protein-based breakfast items. Amie, Nutritionist at BW Primary Care, will share tips, tricks, and recipes to help you incorporate more protein into your morning meals. There is no charge for this class.
Baking Basics: Classic Lemon Bars
Exploration Commons
Saturday, August 23, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Bake delicious classic lemon bars from scratch. Each participant will make a batch to take home and enjoy.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, August 23, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Bake delicious classic lemon bars from scratch. Each participant will make a batch to take home and enjoy.
Chef Stories: Mediterranean Meatballs with Ötzi Chefs
Exploration Commons
Monday, August 25, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 11 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join guest chefs Dom and Stephanie Greco from Ötzi Mediterranean Market & Eatery as they share the rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean. In this hands-on class, we’ll prepare flavorful meatball recipes and explore the ingredients, techniques, and stories that make them special.
NOTE: Children ages 11–14 can register only if a supervising adult is also registered for the program. One adult may supervise up to three children. All attendees, adults and children, must register.
Exploration Commons
Monday, August 25, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 11 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join guest chefs Dom and Stephanie Greco from Ötzi Mediterranean Market & Eatery as they share the rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean. In this hands-on class, we’ll prepare flavorful meatball recipes and explore the ingredients, techniques, and stories that make them special.
NOTE: Children ages 11–14 can register only if a supervising adult is also registered for the program. One adult may supervise up to three children. All attendees, adults and children, must register.
Quick Dinner Series: Shepherd's Pie
Exploration Commons
Monday, August 25, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Attendees will work alongside another guest to create Shepherd's Pie. We'll layer beef and cheesy potatoes in this baked meal.
Exploration Commons
Monday, August 25, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Attendees will work alongside another guest to create Shepherd's Pie. We'll layer beef and cheesy potatoes in this baked meal.
Puerto Rican Patatas Bravas
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Patatas Bravas are one of the most popular items on any Spanish tapas menu. In this hands-on class, you'll learn how to fry up crispy potatoes and top them with bold, flavorful sauces inspired by Puerto Rican cuisine. Participants will make and enjoy a portion of spicy Patatas Bravas.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Patatas Bravas are one of the most popular items on any Spanish tapas menu. In this hands-on class, you'll learn how to fry up crispy potatoes and top them with bold, flavorful sauces inspired by Puerto Rican cuisine. Participants will make and enjoy a portion of spicy Patatas Bravas.
Cook Together: Studio Ghibli Bento Bash
Exploration Commons
Thursday, August 28, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 6 - 18
Registration and more information
Join fellow Studio Ghibli enthusiasts for a fun, hands-on class in the kitchen. Share your love for Studio Ghibli films, discuss your favorite characters, and create a bento box lunch inspired by these beloved stories.
One registration fee per group, up to four participants, including at least one child (ages 6–18) and one adult. The minimum group size is two. Please list the names and ages of all participants (ages 6 and up) when registering.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, August 28, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 6 - 18
Registration and more information
Join fellow Studio Ghibli enthusiasts for a fun, hands-on class in the kitchen. Share your love for Studio Ghibli films, discuss your favorite characters, and create a bento box lunch inspired by these beloved stories.
One registration fee per group, up to four participants, including at least one child (ages 6–18) and one adult. The minimum group size is two. Please list the names and ages of all participants (ages 6 and up) when registering.
Basic Knife Skills
Exploration Commons
Saturday, August 30, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
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.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, August 30, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
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.
Spiced Granola and Pumpkin Parfaits
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will make a batch of Spiced Granola, then layer it into a Pumpkin and Yogurt Parfait.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will make a batch of Spiced Granola, then layer it into a Pumpkin and Yogurt Parfait.