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
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, March 29, 2023 - 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we’ll make a simple dinner you can easily replicate at home to impress your family and friends. Ideal for beginning cooks! We'll enjoy Caesar Salad, a pasta dish, and a delicious dessert.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, April 1, 2023 - 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 11 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join guest instructor Leticia Nortey, from Expanding Boundaries International, as she shares information and recipes from Ghana, Africa. We will learn how to prepare Chicken Peanut Soup with Mashed Rice in this hands-on cooking class. Children ages 11 - 14 may register and attend with a registered adult; all attendees must register.
Exploration Commons
Monday, April 3, 2023 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Managing Parkinson’s Disease is complex and adding nutrition complications and mixed online information makes it hard to know what exactly to eat. In this class, not only will you be making a delicious Rainbow Chickpea Salad, but you will also get an opportunity to discuss nutrition and Parkinson’s with Registered Dietitian Dana Mealing and Registered Nurse Christina McGann. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, April 5, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 11 - 14
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we will introduce kitchen safety and stovetop cooking skills as we prepare a simple quesadilla recipe.
Exploration Commons
Monday, April 10, 2023 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of cake decorating! From frosting a cake to piping trim or perfecting your letters in frosting, we'll help you practice your skills and finish with a real cake to decorate and take home.
Exploration Commons
Monday, April 10, 2023 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - 18
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of cake decorating! From frosting a cake to piping trim or perfecting your letters in frosting, we'll help you practice your skills and finish with a real cake to decorate and take home.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, April 11, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we’ll make a simple dinner you can easily replicate at home to impress your family and friends. Ideal for beginning cooks! We'll enjoy Caesar Salad, a pasta dish, and a delicious dessert.
Exploration Commons
Friday, April 14, 2023 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, learn to prepare Asian-styled dumplings with premade wrappers. We will make Boiled Chicken Dumplings and Pan-Fried Pork Dumplings. We will practice dumpling folding techniques and mix up delicious dipping and serving sauces.
Exploration Commons
Monday, April 17, 2023 - 9:00am - 4:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
The ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Course is for individuals preparing to take the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification Exam. After taking the course and passing the proctored, multiple-choice exam, participants will receive a Food Protection Manager Certificate, valid for up to five (5) years. This course covers Food Safety Training; Foodborne Illness; Hygiene, Health & Food Safety; Flow of Food: Purchasing, Receiving, Storing, Preparing, Cooking and Serving; Environment: Equipment, Cleaning, Sanitizing, Pest Control and Facilities; and the HACCP System. This is a two-day class with session one on Monday, April 17, and session two on April 24.
©2018 National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (National Restaurant Association). All rights reserved. ServSafe is a trademark of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. National Restaurant Association® and the arc design are trademarks of the National Restaurant Association.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - 17
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 Fajitas, Pico de Gallo, and a quick guacamole topping.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, April 20, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - 17
Registration and more information
Step up your snacking game by creating a custom engraved snack board! Using design software and our Fusion Pro laser cutter, we'll personalize a bamboo snacking board and then head to the teaching kitchen to fill the board with yummy snacks!
Exploration Commons
Monday, April 24, 2023 - 9:00am - 4:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
The ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Course is for individuals preparing to take the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification Exam. After taking the course and passing the proctored, multiple-choice exam, participants will receive a Food Protection Manager Certificate, valid for up to five (5) years. This course covers Food Safety Training; Foodborne Illness; Hygiene, Health & Food Safety; Flow of Food: Purchasing, Receiving, Storing, Preparing, Cooking and Serving; Environment: Equipment, Cleaning, Sanitizing, Pest Control and Facilities; and the HACCP System. This is a two-day class with session one on Monday, April 17, and session two on April 24.
©2018 National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (National Restaurant Association). All rights reserved. ServSafe is a trademark of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. National Restaurant Association® and the arc design are trademarks of the National Restaurant Association.