All CCPL locations will be closed for the Labor Day Holiday on Monday, September 1. We will reopen for regular hours on Tuesday, September 2.
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
Thursday, August 28, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 6 - 18
Registration and more information
Join fellow Studio Ghibli enthusiasts for a fun, hands-on class in the kitchen. Share your love for Studio Ghibli films, discuss your favorite characters, and create a bento box lunch inspired by these beloved stories.
One registration fee per group, up to four participants, including at least one child (ages 6–18) and one adult. The minimum group size is two. Please list the names and ages of all participants (ages 6 and up) when registering.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, August 30, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
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
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will make a batch of Spiced Granola, then layer it into a Pumpkin and Yogurt Parfait.
Exploration Commons
Monday, September 8, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The Mediterranean diet is one of the most popular eating styles for healthy living and to help combat chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Join us in making an easy Greek chicken sheet pan dinner and learn about the Mediterranean diet with a registered dietitian in honor of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Discover the bold, smoky flavors of the Southwest in this hands-on class featuring classic New Mexico-style Chile Rellenos. You’ll learn how to work with flame-roasted Hatch green chiles, prepare simple yet flavorful fillings, and fry to golden perfection.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, September 13, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to make sweet crepes from scratch! We'll finish with fruit fillings and a variety of toppings.
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
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
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
- The remaining two spots in the group may be filled by additional participants aged 6 or older—or left open.
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
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.
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.