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
Knife Skills Practice: Ratatouille
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 18, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
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.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 18, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
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.
Seasonal Brunch: Pumpkin Pancakes, Root Hash, and Poached Eggs
Exploration Commons
Friday, September 19, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
We will be using our Teaching Kitchen Collaborative recipes for seasonal pumpkin pancakes and root hash to create a delicious fall brunch! We'll also learn how to poach eggs and make espresso drinks to complete our meal. Each attendee will be paired with another guest to work together at their table.
Exploration Commons
Friday, September 19, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
We will be using our Teaching Kitchen Collaborative recipes for seasonal pumpkin pancakes and root hash to create a delicious fall brunch! We'll also learn how to poach eggs and make espresso drinks to complete our meal. Each attendee will be paired with another guest to work together at their table.
Bake Together: Soft Pretzels
Exploration Commons
Saturday, September 20, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:45pm
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
Saturday, September 20, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:45pm
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
- You may fill the remaining two spots in the group with additional participants aged 6 or older—or left open.
Wedding Cake Decoration Demo
Exploration Commons
Monday, September 22, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This is a demonstration class where attendees observe and learn while instructor Candace Birger shows how to properly assemble and decorate a tiered wedding cake with fondant flowers.
Exploration Commons
Monday, September 22, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This is a demonstration class where attendees observe and learn while instructor Candace Birger shows how to properly assemble and decorate a tiered wedding cake with fondant flowers.
Craft Beer Week 2025: Tastes and Tapas
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults, 21 and older
Registration and more information
Celebrate Carroll County's Craft Brew 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.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults, 21 and older
Registration and more information
Celebrate Carroll County's Craft Brew 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.
Craft Beer Week 2025: Tastes and Tapas
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults, 21 and older
Registration and more information
Celebrate Carroll County's Craft Brew 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.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults, 21 and older
Registration and more information
Celebrate Carroll County's Craft Brew 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.
Stocks Under Pressure Demo
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 25, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to use the electronic pressure cooker to cook stock and broth for your favorite soups and dishes. This demo class will highlight two different stock recipes and discuss ways to increase the nutrient density of your favorite recipes.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 25, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to use the electronic pressure cooker to cook stock and broth for your favorite soups and dishes. This demo class will highlight two different stock recipes and discuss ways to increase the nutrient density of your favorite recipes.
Books and Bites: Sweet or Spice, Romances Are Nice
Exploration Commons
Monday, September 29, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Let's meet in the Teaching Kitchen to bake Apple Spice Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting, followed by a discussion of the newest romance novels 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.
Exploration Commons
Monday, September 29, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Let's meet in the Teaching Kitchen to bake Apple Spice Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting, followed by a discussion of the newest romance novels 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.
Chicken and Black Bean Tostadas
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 - 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will make chicken and black bean tostadas with avocado cream. This class is part of the American Heart Association's Simple Cooking with Heart.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 - 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will make chicken and black bean tostadas with avocado cream. This class is part of the American Heart Association's Simple Cooking with Heart.
Inclusive Cooks: Chocolate Crispy Rice Treat
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 2, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on cooking series for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and people without, we will prepare a healthier version of the popular crispy rice treat. We will replace the commonly used marshmallow fluff and add nuts and seeds to make this a nutrient-dense snack you can feel good about eating.
Note: participants will take home a prepared recipe that will need to cool in the refrigerator before consuming.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 2, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on cooking series for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and people without, we will prepare a healthier version of the popular crispy rice treat. We will replace the commonly used marshmallow fluff and add nuts and seeds to make this a nutrient-dense snack you can feel good about eating.
Note: participants will take home a prepared recipe that will need to cool in the refrigerator before consuming.
Asian-Style Dumplings
Exploration Commons
Saturday, October 4, 2025 - 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, learn to prepare Asian-style dumplings with premade wrappers.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, October 4, 2025 - 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, learn to prepare Asian-style dumplings with premade wrappers.
Cooking for Wellness: Winter Squash Soup
Exploration Commons
Monday, October 6, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
As the cold weather settles in, who wouldn’t love a creamy and warm, sweet and savory winter squash soup? This recipe is versatile and can be made with anything from butternut to kabocha squash. Enjoy this dish with a presentation on macronutrients. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Exploration Commons
Monday, October 6, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
As the cold weather settles in, who wouldn’t love a creamy and warm, sweet and savory winter squash soup? This recipe is versatile and can be made with anything from butternut to kabocha squash. Enjoy this dish with a presentation on macronutrients. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Baking Basics: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin Tops
Exploration Commons
Monday, October 6, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin Tops. Easy, quick, and delicious!
Exploration Commons
Monday, October 6, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin Tops. Easy, quick, and delicious!
Asian-Style Dumplings
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, learn to prepare Asian-style dumplings with premade wrappers.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, learn to prepare Asian-style dumplings with premade wrappers.
Creating Customized Chocolates: Day One
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 9, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 9, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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.
Autumn Harvest Salads
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Celebrate fall with these festive autumn harvest salads! Each table will make a different recipe, and then all attendees will have the opportunity to sample each dish to find their favorite. Recipes will include:
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Celebrate fall with these festive autumn harvest salads! Each table will make a different recipe, and then all attendees will have the opportunity to sample each dish to find their favorite. Recipes will include:
- Crisp Apple and Butternut Squash Salad
- Harvest Quinoa Salad
- Fall Farro and Pomegranate Salad
- Roasted Pear and Arugala
- Fall Kale and Apple Salad