All CCPL locations will be closed for the Independence Holiday on Friday, July 4. We will reopen for regular hours on Saturday, July 5.
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
Monday, June 30, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us in our teaching kitchen to make scratch beef empanadas. Attendees will be grouped in tables of 4; each table will make a full batch of empanadas to eat.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 6 - 12
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will create Pokémon-themed snacks inspired by favorite characters.
This class is designed for groups of up to four participants and must include:
- At least one child aged 6–12
- At least one adult
- The remaining two spots in the group may be filled by additional participants aged 6 or older, or left unfilled.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, July 2, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Discover tasty, nutritious salads in this hands-on class, perfect for summer gatherings or weekly rotation. Each table will prepare a different recipe, which will be sampled by everyone at the end of class. This class includes plant-based and gluten-free recipes.
Class format: Participants will work in groups of up to four participants to prepare a recipe that will be shared with the entire class. Participants will get a taste of each recipe at the end of the class.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, July 3, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 6 - 18
Registration and more information
In this group cooking class, we will make quick-rise cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting from scratch. Participants will be seated in table groups with officers from the Westminster City Police Department and will work in groups to create a batch of rolls! This is a great opportunity for attendees to work alongside our uniformed officers to create a sweet treat.
Exploration Commons
Monday, July 7, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
It can be difficult to manage diabetes during the summer with all the barbecues and vacations. Discuss the best ways to help manage your blood sugar with a registered dietitian while enjoying your new favorite salad! This class is provided though our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 6 - 12
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will create Pokémon-themed snacks inspired by favorite characters.
This class is designed for groups of up to four participants and must include:
- At least one child aged 6–12
- At least one adult
- The remaining two spots in the group may be filled by additional participants aged 6 or older, or left unfilled.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, July 10, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
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, July 12, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Attendees will be paired together to make a batch of the viral Dubai Chocolate Bars. These chocolate bars are filled with a mixture of crispy kataifi, pistachio cream, and tahini.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 8 - 12
Registration and more information
Create your own fanciful bread art using fresh focaccia dough, veggies, and herbs.
Please only register for one of the four classes. Duplicates will be cancelled.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, July 17, 2025 - 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 8 - 12
Registration and more information
Create your own fanciful bread art using fresh focaccia dough, veggies, and herbs.
Please only register for one of the four classes. Duplicates will be cancelled.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, July 19, 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
- The remaining two spots in the group may be filled by additional participants aged 6 or older—or left open.
Exploration Commons
Monday, July 21, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 8 - 12
Registration and more information
Create your own fanciful bread art using fresh focaccia dough, veggies, and herbs.
Please only register for one of the four classes. Duplicates will be cancelled.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 8 - 12
Registration and more information
Create your own fanciful bread art using fresh focaccia dough, veggies, and herbs.
Please only register for one of the four classes. Duplicates will be cancelled.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, July 24, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Tickets cost $40 and include the author talk, a signed copy of Cooking Maryland’s Way: Voices of a Diverse Cuisine, and a recipe demonstration.
Join food historian, author, and historical faux food artist Joyce White in the Teaching Kitchen for an informative evening reflecting on the chief cultural influences of Maryland's early foundational cuisine. Joyce will share her research on both foods and their methods of preparation as she demos traditional recipes for Hominy Patties and Beaten Biscuits. Seating is limited to 36 participants.
This program is part of the Carroll 250 Speaker Series celebrating the United States Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence.
Exploration Commons
Friday, July 25, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
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.