Exploration Commons will be closed for statewide staff training on Thursday, October 30, 2025. We apologize for the inconvenience.
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
Cooking Basics: Fall-Themed Caramel Apples
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 23, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Make fall-themed caramel apples from scratch. Participants will learn how to prepare and dip apples in caramel and chocolate and decorate them with fun toppings.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 23, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Make fall-themed caramel apples from scratch. Participants will learn how to prepare and dip apples in caramel and chocolate and decorate them with fun toppings.
Teens Cook: Edible Spheres
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 12 - 17
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will learn a simple technique to turn liquids into solid, edible spheres.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 12 - 17
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will learn a simple technique to turn liquids into solid, edible spheres.
Cooking for Wellness: Diabetes Awareness Month
Exploration Commons
Monday, November 3, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
You might be starting to miss the warm weather. Let’s go back to summer with the bright flavors of Shrimp Tacos! For Diabetes Awareness Month, this recipe will be focusing on a low-carb version that will be paired with a discussion on basic nutrition with diabetes. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Exploration Commons
Monday, November 3, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
You might be starting to miss the warm weather. Let’s go back to summer with the bright flavors of Shrimp Tacos! For Diabetes Awareness Month, this recipe will be focusing on a low-carb version that will be paired with a discussion on basic nutrition with diabetes. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Kids Cook: Tasty Tostadas
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - 2:30pm - 3:45pm
Ages: 8 - 12
Registration and more information
School's out early! In this hands-on class, we'll make refried beans and guacamole. Participants will then enjoy their tasty tostadas with all the toppings.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - 2:30pm - 3:45pm
Ages: 8 - 12
Registration and more information
School's out early! In this hands-on class, we'll make refried beans and guacamole. Participants will then enjoy their tasty tostadas with all the toppings.
Group Bake: Cranberry Walnut Cinnamon Rolls
Exploration Commons
Monday, November 10, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this group cooking class, we will make festive quick-rise cinnamon rolls with cranberry and walnut cinnamon sugar filling as well as a maple cream cheese frosting from scratch. Each registration is for a table that seats up to 4 attendees. If a child ages 13-16 is attending, the group must include at least one adult.
Exploration Commons
Monday, November 10, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this group cooking class, we will make festive quick-rise cinnamon rolls with cranberry and walnut cinnamon sugar filling as well as a maple cream cheese frosting from scratch. Each registration is for a table that seats up to 4 attendees. If a child ages 13-16 is attending, the group must include at least one adult.
Personalized Snack Boards for Teens
Exploration Commons
Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - 17
Registration and more information
Step up your snacking game by creating a custom-engraved snack board! We'll personalize a bamboo snack board using Adobe Illustrator design software and our Fusion Pro laser cutter. Then head to the teaching kitchen to learn some tips and tricks while you fill the board with yummy snacks!
Exploration Commons
Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - 17
Registration and more information
Step up your snacking game by creating a custom-engraved snack board! We'll personalize a bamboo snack board using Adobe Illustrator design software and our Fusion Pro laser cutter. Then head to the teaching kitchen to learn some tips and tricks while you fill the board with yummy snacks!
Be a Coffee Connoisseur
Exploration Commons
Saturday, November 15, 2025 - 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Take a trip around the world of coffee! Learn about bean origins, roasting temperatures, and types of grinding to brew the perfect cup of joe. Sample several varieties and evaluate using coffee flavor descriptors.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, November 15, 2025 - 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Take a trip around the world of coffee! Learn about bean origins, roasting temperatures, and types of grinding to brew the perfect cup of joe. Sample several varieties and evaluate using coffee flavor descriptors.
Baking Basics: Classic Pumpkin Roll
Exploration Commons
Monday, November 17, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This hands-on bake-along class teaches how to make a classic pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling. Participants will take home their delicious dessert to eat or freeze for Thanksgiving. CCPL's Westminster Branch staff member, Tina Mawhinney, and the Exploration Commons Teaching Kitchen will be teaching.
Exploration Commons
Monday, November 17, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This hands-on bake-along class teaches how to make a classic pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling. Participants will take home their delicious dessert to eat or freeze for Thanksgiving. CCPL's Westminster Branch staff member, Tina Mawhinney, and the Exploration Commons Teaching Kitchen will be teaching.
Decorative Laser Engraved Pie Pan Lid and Pumpkin Pie Class
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hybrid kitchen and makerspace class! We'll start in the kitchen, making a PA Dutch-style pumpkin pie. While our pies bake and chill, we'll learn some basics of Adobe Illustrator as we create graphics to laser engrave on our pie pan lids. Then we'll return to the kitchen to pick up the pies to take home!
If you have taken an Engraved Pie Lid class at EC50 in the past, please do not register for this class. This class is intended for new patrons/registrants only.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hybrid kitchen and makerspace class! We'll start in the kitchen, making a PA Dutch-style pumpkin pie. While our pies bake and chill, we'll learn some basics of Adobe Illustrator as we create graphics to laser engrave on our pie pan lids. Then we'll return to the kitchen to pick up the pies to take home!
If you have taken an Engraved Pie Lid class at EC50 in the past, please do not register for this class. This class is intended for new patrons/registrants only.
Taste As You Go: The Art of Seasoning
Exploration Commons
Thursday, November 20, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Explore the basics of balanced seasoning. Learn how salt and acid work together to transform flavors and how tasting as you go ensures perfectly seasoned dishes.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, November 20, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Explore the basics of balanced seasoning. Learn how salt and acid work together to transform flavors and how tasting as you go ensures perfectly seasoned dishes.