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
Make a Custom Engraved Summer Snack Board
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 31, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Usher in the start of summer with a customized charcuterie board filled with healthy summer snacks! We will begin by creating a custom design and engraving it on our board. Then, we will head to the kitchen to fill our boards with breads, veggies, fruits, and other fun, healthy summer snacks.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 31, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Usher in the start of summer with a customized charcuterie board filled with healthy summer snacks! We will begin by creating a custom design and engraving it on our board. Then, we will head to the kitchen to fill our boards with breads, veggies, fruits, and other fun, healthy summer snacks.
If you have taken a charcuterie or snack board class at EC50 in the past, please do not register for this class. This class is intended for new patrons/registrants only.
Cooking for Wellness: Eating for Mental Health
Exploration Commons
Monday, June 2, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The kids are home, vacations to plan, family to host, the summer stress can take its toll. But did you know changes in your diet can change how you handle life’s stressors? Discuss the relationship of mental health and food with a registered dietitian while making an easy Mediterranean recipe. This class is provided by Carroll Hospital.
Exploration Commons
Monday, June 2, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The kids are home, vacations to plan, family to host, the summer stress can take its toll. But did you know changes in your diet can change how you handle life’s stressors? Discuss the relationship of mental health and food with a registered dietitian while making an easy Mediterranean recipe. This class is provided by Carroll Hospital.
Quick Dinner Series: Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Exploration Commons
Monday, June 2, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to make chicken and dumpling soup from scratch. Attendees will be grouped into tables of 4 where they'll work together to make their quick dinner soup.
Exploration Commons
Monday, June 2, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to make chicken and dumpling soup from scratch. Attendees will be grouped into tables of 4 where they'll work together to make their quick dinner soup.
Fish Tacos
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will make flavorful fish tacos with fresh ingredients, paired with homemade flour tortillas.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will make flavorful fish tacos with fresh ingredients, paired with homemade flour tortillas.
Decorative Laser Engraved Pie Pan Lid and Strawberry Pie Class
Exploration Commons
Thursday, June 5, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
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 sweet strawberry pie. While our pies 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!
Exploration Commons
Thursday, June 5, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm
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 sweet strawberry pie. While our pies 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!
Decorative Laser Engraved Pie Pan Lid and Strawberry Pie Class
Exploration Commons
Thursday, June 5, 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 sweet strawberry pie. While our pies 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!
Exploration Commons
Thursday, June 5, 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 sweet strawberry pie. While our pies 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!
Cook Together: California Roll Sushi Bowl
Exploration Commons
Saturday, June 7, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 6 - 12
Registration and more information
Learn to make a California Roll Sushi Bowl in this hands-on class! This class is perfect for sushi lovers looking to build confidence in the kitchen.
This program is designed for groups with at least one child ages 6 – 12 and at least one adult. Each registration is for a group of up to four people, including the adult. The adult counts as part of the group of four. Please include the names and ages of all participants (ages 6 and up) when registering.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, June 7, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 6 - 12
Registration and more information
Learn to make a California Roll Sushi Bowl in this hands-on class! This class is perfect for sushi lovers looking to build confidence in the kitchen.
This program is designed for groups with at least one child ages 6 – 12 and at least one adult. Each registration is for a group of up to four people, including the adult. The adult counts as part of the group of four. Please include the names and ages of all participants (ages 6 and up) when registering.
Fish Tacos
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will make flavorful fish tacos with fresh ingredients, paired with homemade flour tortillas.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will make flavorful fish tacos with fresh ingredients, paired with homemade flour tortillas.
Wok Cooking Basics
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, gain an introductory understanding of wok cooking and learn how to prepare your recipe for the best results. We will prepare a plant-based recipe to practice the new cooking skill.
Class format: Class capacity is 10 people. Registrants will cook with one other attendee in this class to prepare a dish to share.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, gain an introductory understanding of wok cooking and learn how to prepare your recipe for the best results. We will prepare a plant-based recipe to practice the new cooking skill.
Class format: Class capacity is 10 people. Registrants will cook with one other attendee in this class to prepare a dish to share.
Kids Bake: Hamburger Cupcakes
Exploration Commons
Monday, June 16, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 8 - 12
Registration and more information
Participants will make "hamburger" cupcakes and learn basic baking skills.
Exploration Commons
Monday, June 16, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 8 - 12
Registration and more information
Participants will make "hamburger" cupcakes and learn basic baking skills.
Dubai Chocolate Bars
Exploration Commons
Monday, June 16, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
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
Monday, June 16, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
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.
Cheesesteaks and Cheesecakes
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Meet Carroll County Public Library's Director Andrea Berstler who will be guest presenting alongside CCPL Board Member Dave O'Callaghan in this cheesy double header: old-fashioned Philly cheesesteaks and individual size cheesecakes for dessert.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Meet Carroll County Public Library's Director Andrea Berstler who will be guest presenting alongside CCPL Board Member Dave O'Callaghan in this cheesy double header: old-fashioned Philly cheesesteaks and individual size cheesecakes for dessert.
Teens Cook: Basic Italian Red Sauce
Exploration Commons
Friday, June 20, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 13 - 18
Registration and more information
Learn how to make a basic red sauce with fresh (or canned) tomatoes to serve over pasta. Our friends from Ötzi Mediterranean Market & Eatery in Eldersburg have provided us with an authentic family recipe for an easy tomato sauce you can serve over pasta for a quick meal or side dish.
Exploration Commons
Friday, June 20, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 13 - 18
Registration and more information
Learn how to make a basic red sauce with fresh (or canned) tomatoes to serve over pasta. Our friends from Ötzi Mediterranean Market & Eatery in Eldersburg have provided us with an authentic family recipe for an easy tomato sauce you can serve over pasta for a quick meal or side dish.