All CCPL locations will be closed for the Christmas Holiday Tuesday, December 24 through Wednesday, December 25. We will reopen for regular hours on Thursday, December 26.
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 Together: Marshmallows & Hot Cocoa
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 21, 2024 - 2:00pm - 3:15pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we'll make marshmallows to cut at home and jars of hot cocoa mix to give as gifts or keep for yourself.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 21, 2024 - 2:00pm - 3:15pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we'll make marshmallows to cut at home and jars of hot cocoa mix to give as gifts or keep for yourself.
One registration per group, up to four participants. For groups with children ages six and up, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Breakfast Teas Types & Tastings
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 23, 2024 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Love breakfast teas? Learn about the history, cultures, and varieties of three popular breakfast teas: Irish, English, and Scottish. Proper brewing techniques and tasting tips will be provided.
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 23, 2024 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Love breakfast teas? Learn about the history, cultures, and varieties of three popular breakfast teas: Irish, English, and Scottish. Proper brewing techniques and tasting tips will be provided.
Cooking Together: Cinnamon Rolls
Exploration Commons
Friday, December 27, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
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
Friday, December 27, 2024 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
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.
Breakfast Teas Types & Tasting
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 28, 2024 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Love breakfast teas? Learn about the history, cultures, and varieties of three popular breakfast teas: Irish, English, and Scottish. Proper brewing techniques and tasting tips will be provided.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 28, 2024 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Love breakfast teas? Learn about the history, cultures, and varieties of three popular breakfast teas: Irish, English, and Scottish. Proper brewing techniques and tasting tips will be provided.
Make a NYE Charcuterie Board!
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 30, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a crossover program between our makerspace and teaching kitchen to make a custom laser-engraved charcuterie board. We'll finish our class in the kitchen by designing a full board of cheeses, meats, and other tasteful items, perfect for taking to your NYE party!
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 30, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a crossover program between our makerspace and teaching kitchen to make a custom laser-engraved charcuterie board. We'll finish our class in the kitchen by designing a full board of cheeses, meats, and other tasteful items, perfect for taking to your NYE party!
Dinner's on Me: Fajitas
Exploration Commons
Saturday, January 4, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 13 - 18
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
Saturday, January 4, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 13 - 18
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.
Cooking for Wellness: Lazy Veggie Sauce
Exploration Commons
Monday, January 6, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Meal planning can be challenging for many, and knowing what to do with the leftover veggies at the of the week can be tricky. We will learn a recipe that uses leftover veggies and the produce that might turn. This recipe will use all those veggies in a nutrition-dense sauce while re-setting your fridge for the next week. Enjoy while we discuss meal planning and grocery shopping. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.
Exploration Commons
Monday, January 6, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Meal planning can be challenging for many, and knowing what to do with the leftover veggies at the of the week can be tricky. We will learn a recipe that uses leftover veggies and the produce that might turn. This recipe will use all those veggies in a nutrition-dense sauce while re-setting your fridge for the next week. Enjoy while we discuss meal planning and grocery shopping. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.
Quick Stovetop Bread
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn a quick stovetop bread recipe to serve with any meal. In this hands-on class, you will prepare a fluffy skillet bread that can be made on a busy weeknight.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn a quick stovetop bread recipe to serve with any meal. In this hands-on class, you will prepare a fluffy skillet bread that can be made on a busy weeknight.
Huevos Rancheros, New Mexico Style
Exploration Commons
Thursday, January 9, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Guest Andrew Preziosi will teach us how to make a traditional New Mexico dish: green chile and tomato sauce topped with sunny-side eggs covered with Monterey Jack cheese, served over fried corn tortillas. Chile con Queso with tortilla chips will be made as a starter.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, January 9, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Guest Andrew Preziosi will teach us how to make a traditional New Mexico dish: green chile and tomato sauce topped with sunny-side eggs covered with Monterey Jack cheese, served over fried corn tortillas. Chile con Queso with tortilla chips will be made as a starter.
Cooking Basics: Chicken Parmesan
Exploration Commons
Friday, January 10, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Ideal for beginning cooks, this hands-on class will have participants work in pairs to learn the tricks to turning crispy breaded chicken cutlets into delicious Chicken Parmesan.
Exploration Commons
Friday, January 10, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Ideal for beginning cooks, this hands-on class will have participants work in pairs to learn the tricks to turning crispy breaded chicken cutlets into delicious Chicken Parmesan.
Cooking Basics: Chicken Parmesan
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Ideal for beginning cooks, this hands-on class will have participants work in pairs to learn the tricks to turning crispy breaded chicken cutlets into delicious Chicken Parmesan.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Ideal for beginning cooks, this hands-on class will have participants work in pairs to learn the tricks to turning crispy breaded chicken cutlets into delicious Chicken Parmesan.
Baking Techniques Two-Day Class: Cream Puffs
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
On day one, you will learn the basics of pâte à choux and pastry cream. Day two will cover chocolate and caramel sauces. Then, you will fill and enjoy your delicious cream puffs.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
On day one, you will learn the basics of pâte à choux and pastry cream. Day two will cover chocolate and caramel sauces. Then, you will fill and enjoy your delicious cream puffs.
Be a Coffee Connoisseur
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 - 5:00pm - 6:00pm
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
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 - 5:00pm - 6:00pm
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 Techniques Two-Day Class: Cream Puffs
Exploration Commons
Thursday, January 16, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
On day one, you will learn the basics of pâte à choux and pastry cream. Day two will cover chocolate and caramel sauces. Then, you will fill and enjoy your delicious cream puffs.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, January 16, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
On day one, you will learn the basics of pâte à choux and pastry cream. Day two will cover chocolate and caramel sauces. Then, you will fill and enjoy your delicious cream puffs.