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
Korean Street Toast
Exploration Commons
Saturday, September 21, 2024 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on class on making gilgeori toast, a popular Korean street food. You will prepare a version of this savory-sweet dish that pairs wasabi-mayo crab with the traditional eggy-veg filling. This version was inspired by a trip to Toronto, which has its own Korean street toast restaurant.
Children ages 12 - 14 may register and attend with a registered adult; all attendees must register.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, September 21, 2024 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on class on making gilgeori toast, a popular Korean street food. You will prepare a version of this savory-sweet dish that pairs wasabi-mayo crab with the traditional eggy-veg filling. This version was inspired by a trip to Toronto, which has its own Korean street toast restaurant.
Children ages 12 - 14 may register and attend with a registered adult; all attendees must register.
Basic Knife Skills
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - 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
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - 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.
Craft Beer Week 2024: Tastes and Tapas
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults, 21 and older
Registration and more information
Celebrate Carroll County's Craft Brew Week at the Teaching Kitchen at Exploration Commons at 50 East. Join us to enjoy four delicious bites artfully paired with featured beers from four of our local breweries.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults, 21 and older
Registration and more information
Celebrate Carroll County's Craft Brew Week at the Teaching Kitchen at Exploration Commons at 50 East. 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 $20 per person, and there is a limited seating of 20.
Craft Beer Week 2024: Tastes and Tapas
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 26, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults, 21 and older
Registration and more information
Celebrate Carroll County's Craft Brew Week at the Teaching Kitchen at Exploration Commons at 50 East. Join us to enjoy four delicious bites artfully paired with featured beers from four of our local breweries.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 26, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults, 21 and older
Registration and more information
Celebrate Carroll County's Craft Brew Week at the Teaching Kitchen at Exploration Commons at 50 East. 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 $20 per person, and there is a limited seating of 20.
Cooking Together: Cinnamon Rolls
Exploration Commons
Monday, September 30, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 8 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this group cooking class, we will make quick-rise cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting from scratch. One registration is good for up to 4 attendees, with a minimum of 2 per group. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Each group will make one recipe.
Exploration Commons
Monday, September 30, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 8 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this group cooking class, we will make quick-rise cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting from scratch. One registration is good for up to 4 attendees, with a minimum of 2 per group. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Each group will make one recipe.
Soft Pretzels
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:15pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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, October 1, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:15pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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.
Dinner's on Me: Glazed Salmon with Veggie Rice
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 2, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - 18
Registration and more information
Calling all aspiring teen chefs! Join us in the kitchen to learn to prepare a delicious glazed salmon recipe paired with a savory brown rice veggie blend that is quick and tasty to prepare. Enhance your culinary skills, gain confidence in the kitchen, and impress your loved ones with your cooking ability.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 2, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - 18
Registration and more information
Calling all aspiring teen chefs! Join us in the kitchen to learn to prepare a delicious glazed salmon recipe paired with a savory brown rice veggie blend that is quick and tasty to prepare. Enhance your culinary skills, gain confidence in the kitchen, and impress your loved ones with your cooking ability.
Cooking for Wellness: National Chili Month
Exploration Commons
Monday, October 7, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Chili is a great meal to make for so many reasons. It’s easy, freezes well, and you can throw a ton of nutritious veggies in it. As the fall rolls in, make this cozy classic with a healthy twist while discussing ways to increase your vegetable intake. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.
Exploration Commons
Monday, October 7, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Chili is a great meal to make for so many reasons. It’s easy, freezes well, and you can throw a ton of nutritious veggies in it. As the fall rolls in, make this cozy classic with a healthy twist while discussing ways to increase your vegetable intake. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.
Intro to the Kitchen for Kids: Muffins
Exploration Commons
Monday, October 7, 2024 - 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Ages: 8 - 12
Registration and more information
This program is designed for kids who are just starting out in the kitchen. We will learn about kitchen tools, how to measure ingredients, and safety in the kitchen. We'll put our skills to use by making one bowl muffins to eat and take home.
Exploration Commons
Monday, October 7, 2024 - 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Ages: 8 - 12
Registration and more information
This program is designed for kids who are just starting out in the kitchen. We will learn about kitchen tools, how to measure ingredients, and safety in the kitchen. We'll put our skills to use by making one bowl muffins to eat and take home.
Cooking Gluten-Free Workshop
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 10, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Are you curious about gluten-free cooking or what it means to be gluten-free? Join us for a hands-on cooking class as we make Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Bites with a Ranch Drizzle and Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies. We will also learn how to read nutrition labels to look for gluten-free foods. Presented by Amie Howard, MS, CNS, LDN, RN, a nutritionist with BW Primary Care's Body and Wellness Program at LifeBridge Health. Please note that the Teaching Kitchen is not a gluten-free facility.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 10, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Are you curious about gluten-free cooking or what it means to be gluten-free? Join us for a hands-on cooking class as we make Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Bites with a Ranch Drizzle and Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies. We will also learn how to read nutrition labels to look for gluten-free foods. Presented by Amie Howard, MS, CNS, LDN, RN, a nutritionist with BW Primary Care's Body and Wellness Program at LifeBridge Health. Please note that the Teaching Kitchen is not a gluten-free facility.
Books and Bites: Star Wars Reads
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Celebrate Star Wars Reads month by joining us for a Star Wars-themed joint program between CCPL's Westminster Branch and Exploration Commons, hosted in our Teaching Kitchen! Attendees will practice their Force skills by making favorite treats inspired by a galaxy far, far away.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Celebrate Star Wars Reads month by joining us for a Star Wars-themed joint program between CCPL's Westminster Branch and Exploration Commons, hosted in our Teaching Kitchen! Attendees will practice their Force skills by making favorite treats inspired by a galaxy far, far away.
While we eat, Westminster librarian TJ will lead Star Wars-themed trivia and booktalk a range of Star Wars books that will be available for checkout at the end of class. Jedi Masters and Padawans ages 6 and up are welcome! One registration per group, up to four participants. For groups with children ages six and up, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Meal Prep Strategies: Salad in a Jar
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Build a toolbox of strategies to make meal prep easy to integrate into your busy life. We will discuss how to make meals on repeat to help you meet your health goals. We will prepare a salad full of tasty, nutrient-dense ingredients to enjoy in class and assemble a salad-in-jar version to take home for a second meal.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Build a toolbox of strategies to make meal prep easy to integrate into your busy life. We will discuss how to make meals on repeat to help you meet your health goals. We will prepare a salad full of tasty, nutrient-dense ingredients to enjoy in class and assemble a salad-in-jar version to take home for a second meal.
Creating Customized Chocolates: Day One
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 17, 2024 - 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 17, 2024 - 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.
Food Science in the Kitchen (Part 1): S'more Molecules
Exploration Commons
Friday, October 18, 2024 - 10:30am - 1:00pm
Ages: 12 - 18
More information
Participants will gain foundational knowledge, develop science skills, and explore careers, all in a familiar format – food. This four-part series covers food chemistry, tastes and textures, food production, and manufacturing, with lots of fun experiments along the way. Hands-on learning and product tastings are part of each STEAM-focused session. Part 1 will study chocolate crystallization through tempering chocolate for a candy bar and the effects of heat on sugar molecules by developing a formulation for marshmallows.
Exploration Commons
Friday, October 18, 2024 - 10:30am - 1:00pm
Ages: 12 - 18
More information
Participants will gain foundational knowledge, develop science skills, and explore careers, all in a familiar format – food. This four-part series covers food chemistry, tastes and textures, food production, and manufacturing, with lots of fun experiments along the way. Hands-on learning and product tastings are part of each STEAM-focused session. Part 1 will study chocolate crystallization through tempering chocolate for a candy bar and the effects of heat on sugar molecules by developing a formulation for marshmallows.