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
Decorative Strawberry Jelly Roll
Exploration Commons
Saturday, February 22, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Bake a delicious sweet for your sweethearts. This strawberry roll cake is decorated with your choice of hearts or strawberries, baked, and then rolled with strawberry jam and cream cheese filling.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, February 22, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Bake a delicious sweet for your sweethearts. This strawberry roll cake is decorated with your choice of hearts or strawberries, baked, and then rolled with strawberry jam and cream cheese filling.
Spices of the World: Black Pepper
Exploration Commons
Monday, February 24, 2025 - 10:30am - 11:30am
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This is the second class in our Spices & Herbs series and will focus on black pepper's sourcing, flavors, and varieties. We will taste various forms of black pepper and evaluate them using flavor descriptors. Samples and recipes for sweet and savory dishes will be provided.
Exploration Commons
Monday, February 24, 2025 - 10:30am - 11:30am
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This is the second class in our Spices & Herbs series and will focus on black pepper's sourcing, flavors, and varieties. We will taste various forms of black pepper and evaluate them using flavor descriptors. Samples and recipes for sweet and savory dishes will be provided.
The Perfect Patty Melt
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Participants will make traditional patty melts and uncover the secrets to crafting the perfect patty melt, where juicy beef patties meet golden, grilled bread and a traditional Russian dressing.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Participants will make traditional patty melts and uncover the secrets to crafting the perfect patty melt, where juicy beef patties meet golden, grilled bread and a traditional Russian dressing.
Taste as You Go: The Art of Seasoning
Exploration Commons
Thursday, February 27, 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, February 27, 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.
Dinner's on Me: Pan-Seared Pork Chops
Exploration Commons
Saturday, March 1, 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 pan-seared pork chops with a simple pan sauce, mashed potatoes, and roasted broccoli.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, March 1, 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 pan-seared pork chops with a simple pan sauce, mashed potatoes, and roasted broccoli.
Cooking for Wellness: Low Carb-onara
Exploration Commons
Monday, March 3, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
A moderate carbohydrate diet is key to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. But you don’t have to give up your carby favorites altogether. This carbonara recipe will show you how to moderate carb intake while still enjoying flavor and feeling full. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.
Exploration Commons
Monday, March 3, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
A moderate carbohydrate diet is key to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. But you don’t have to give up your carby favorites altogether. This carbonara recipe will show you how to moderate carb intake while still enjoying flavor and feeling full. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.
Pork Katsu Bento Box Dinner
Exploration Commons
Monday, March 3, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
We will make a pork katsu bento box dinner, including fried pork katsu, fluffy white rice, and crisp cucumber sunomono salad.
Exploration Commons
Monday, March 3, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
We will make a pork katsu bento box dinner, including fried pork katsu, fluffy white rice, and crisp cucumber sunomono salad.
Dinner for Friends
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to make a simple, delicious vegetarian meal for your friends! We’ll make an appetizer, a dinner salad, and dessert. This class is ideal for beginning cooks!
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to make a simple, delicious vegetarian meal for your friends! We’ll make an appetizer, a dinner salad, and dessert. This class is ideal for beginning cooks!
Mastering Marinades: Two Day Class
Exploration Commons
Thursday, March 6, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Discover how a simple marinade can enhance the flavor of your meals. Day one will focus on marinade basics - the ingredients and processes for various proteins and vegetables. On day two, we'll showcase the marinated foods using a variety of recipes and cooking methods.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, March 6, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Discover how a simple marinade can enhance the flavor of your meals. Day one will focus on marinade basics - the ingredients and processes for various proteins and vegetables. On day two, we'll showcase the marinated foods using a variety of recipes and cooking methods.
Mastering Marinades: Two Day Class
Exploration Commons
Friday, March 7, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Discover how a simple marinade can enhance the flavor of your meals. Day one will focus on marinade basics - the ingredients and processes for various proteins and vegetables. On day two, we'll showcase the marinated foods using a variety of recipes and cooking methods.
Exploration Commons
Friday, March 7, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Discover how a simple marinade can enhance the flavor of your meals. Day one will focus on marinade basics - the ingredients and processes for various proteins and vegetables. On day two, we'll showcase the marinated foods using a variety of recipes and cooking methods.
Basic Knife Skills
Exploration Commons
Monday, March 10, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
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
Monday, March 10, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
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.
Traditional Mofongo
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Make a serving of traditional Puerto Rican mofongo. A classic dish served in many Latin American countries, mofongo is made of fried plantains mashed with garlic and chicharrón and is typically served with a side of meat or on a bed of broth.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Make a serving of traditional Puerto Rican mofongo. A classic dish served in many Latin American countries, mofongo is made of fried plantains mashed with garlic and chicharrón and is typically served with a side of meat or on a bed of broth.
Traditional Irish Shortbread
Exploration Commons
Thursday, March 13, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the secrets to baking a pan of traditional Irish shortbread.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, March 13, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the secrets to baking a pan of traditional Irish shortbread.
K-Pop Party: Boba Tea Creations
Exploration Commons
Saturday, March 15, 2025 - 11:00am - 3:00pm
Ages: 8 - Adults, Adults
More information
Join us for our third annual celebration of everything K-Pop! Drop in between 11 AM and 3 PM for games, crafts, music, Korean snacks, prizes, and more! There will be a drop-in bubble tea bar in the Exploration Commons Teaching Kitchen throughout the day. Wear your favorite K-pop outfit and bring photo cards to trade! Goodie bags will be available while supplies last.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, March 15, 2025 - 11:00am - 3:00pm
Ages: 8 - Adults, Adults
More information
Join us for our third annual celebration of everything K-Pop! Drop in between 11 AM and 3 PM for games, crafts, music, Korean snacks, prizes, and more! There will be a drop-in bubble tea bar in the Exploration Commons Teaching Kitchen throughout the day. Wear your favorite K-pop outfit and bring photo cards to trade! Goodie bags will be available while supplies last.
If you would like to customize your goodie bag, please complete this form before February 1, 2025.
Cooking Together: Shepherd's Pie
Exploration Commons
Monday, March 17, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 8 - Adults, 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a classic shepherd's pie. We'll layer beef and cheesy potatoes in this baked meal. 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.
Exploration Commons
Monday, March 17, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 8 - Adults, 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a classic shepherd's pie. We'll layer beef and cheesy potatoes in this baked meal. 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.
Tea Taste Panel
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This course will cover proper sample preparation and tasting techniques. We will evaluate six new teas using sensory descriptors for sight, aroma, and taste.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This course will cover proper sample preparation and tasting techniques. We will evaluate six new teas using sensory descriptors for sight, aroma, and taste.
Tea Cozy Fiction
Exploration Commons
Thursday, March 20, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for our second Tea Cozy Fiction event. Enjoy a cup of tea while baking financiers (almond tea cakes), and then snack on your treats while listening to cozy fiction book talks from Westminster Branch librarians. You'll be able to check out books at the end of class. This is a joint program with CCPL's Westminster Branch and Exploration Commons Teaching Kitchen.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, March 20, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for our second Tea Cozy Fiction event. Enjoy a cup of tea while baking financiers (almond tea cakes), and then snack on your treats while listening to cozy fiction book talks from Westminster Branch librarians. You'll be able to check out books at the end of class. This is a joint program with CCPL's Westminster Branch and Exploration Commons Teaching Kitchen.