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
Baking Techniques Two-Day Class: Croissants
Exploration Commons
Friday, April 4, 2025 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
On day one, participants will learn the basics of dough lamination. On day two, they will bake croissants and pain au chocolat.
Exploration Commons
Friday, April 4, 2025 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
On day one, participants will learn the basics of dough lamination. On day two, they will bake croissants and pain au chocolat.
Pavlovas
Exploration Commons
Saturday, April 5, 2025 - 10:30am - 2:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, this dessert takes patience but results in a treat with a meringue base, Chantilly cream layer, and berries on top. We will begin the recipe from 10:30 - 11:30 AM and then have a 1.5-hour lunch break. We will return to complete the recipe from 1 - 2:30 PM.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, April 5, 2025 - 10:30am - 2:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, this dessert takes patience but results in a treat with a meringue base, Chantilly cream layer, and berries on top. We will begin the recipe from 10:30 - 11:30 AM and then have a 1.5-hour lunch break. We will return to complete the recipe from 1 - 2:30 PM.
Cooking for Wellness: Lazy Veggie Sauce
Exploration Commons
Monday, April 7, 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 end 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. We will enjoy our creation 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, April 7, 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 end 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. We will enjoy our creation while we discuss meal planning and grocery shopping. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.
Mastering Marinades: ONE Day Class
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
RESCHEDULED: Discover how a simple marinade can enhance the flavor of your meals. This ONE-DAY class will focus on marinade basics, the ingredients and processes for various proteins and vegetables, and then showcase the marinated foods using a variety of recipes and cooking methods. Recipes include Balsamic Soy Flank Steak, Tandoori Chicken Thighs, Margarita Grilled Shrimp and Chicken Skewers, and Rosemary Honey Cara Cara Oranges. If you were registered for the March 6 class, please contact Exploration Commons to transfer your registration by March 27.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
RESCHEDULED: Discover how a simple marinade can enhance the flavor of your meals. This ONE-DAY class will focus on marinade basics, the ingredients and processes for various proteins and vegetables, and then showcase the marinated foods using a variety of recipes and cooking methods. Recipes include Balsamic Soy Flank Steak, Tandoori Chicken Thighs, Margarita Grilled Shrimp and Chicken Skewers, and Rosemary Honey Cara Cara Oranges. If you were registered for the March 6 class, please contact Exploration Commons to transfer your registration by March 27.
Pairs Cooking: Cioppino (Italian-American Seafood Stew)
Exploration Commons
Thursday, April 10, 2025 - 5:15pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Make a pot of Cioppino, a hearty Italian-American stew made with a medley of fresh seafood and fish in a rich broth of tomato and wine. Registration is for TWO attendees.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, April 10, 2025 - 5:15pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Make a pot of Cioppino, a hearty Italian-American stew made with a medley of fresh seafood and fish in a rich broth of tomato and wine. Registration is for TWO attendees.
Cooking Together: Empanadas
Exploration Commons
Monday, April 14, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 8 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us in our teaching kitchen to make scratch beef empanadas. Each registration is for one group of up to 4 attendees. List the names and ages of all attendees (3 in addition to the registrant) in your group, ages 8 and up.
Exploration Commons
Monday, April 14, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 8 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us in our teaching kitchen to make scratch beef empanadas. Each registration is for one group of up to 4 attendees. List the names and ages of all attendees (3 in addition to the registrant) in your group, ages 8 and up.
Gourmet Deviled Eggs
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Unscramble the art of the perfect deviled egg and learn how to add a few twists to spice up this season’s favorite appetizer! We'll walk you through step-by-step instructions on creating five different types of deviled eggs. Explore new fillings and toppings that will wow your family and friends!
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Unscramble the art of the perfect deviled egg and learn how to add a few twists to spice up this season’s favorite appetizer! We'll walk you through step-by-step instructions on creating five different types of deviled eggs. Explore new fillings and toppings that will wow your family and friends!
Dinner for Friends
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to make a simple, but 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, April 15, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to make a simple, but delicious, vegetarian meal for your friends! We’ll make an appetizer, a dinner salad, and dessert. This class is ideal for beginning cooks!
Gourmet Deviled Eggs
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Unscramble the art of the perfect deviled egg and learn how to add a few twists to spice up this season’s favorite appetizer! We'll walk you through step-by-step instructions on creating five different types of deviled eggs. Explore new fillings and toppings that will wow your family and friends!
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Unscramble the art of the perfect deviled egg and learn how to add a few twists to spice up this season’s favorite appetizer! We'll walk you through step-by-step instructions on creating five different types of deviled eggs. Explore new fillings and toppings that will wow your family and friends!
Kids Cook: Easy Spring Oreo Truffles
Exploration Commons
Friday, April 18, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 8 - 12
Registration and more information
Kids will make easy Oreo truffles in three simple steps. They'll mix ingredients, chill, then dip in spring-colored coatings and add some decorative touches! Note: this recipe contains dairy.
Exploration Commons
Friday, April 18, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 8 - 12
Registration and more information
Kids will make easy Oreo truffles in three simple steps. They'll mix ingredients, chill, then dip in spring-colored coatings and add some decorative touches! Note: this recipe contains dairy.
Pairs Cooking: Tiramisu
Exploration Commons
Monday, April 21, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn what makes tiramisu an irresistible classic! Participants will learn what tiramisu is and create their very own to take home to share. Registration is one group of two participants. Each pair will make one tiramisu to take home and share.
Exploration Commons
Monday, April 21, 2025 - 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn what makes tiramisu an irresistible classic! Participants will learn what tiramisu is and create their very own to take home to share. Registration is one group of two participants. Each pair will make one tiramisu to take home and share.
Tea Tasting with the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
Online
Thursday, April 24, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
More information
Sponsored by the Friends of the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, Carroll County Public Library, and Tea and Whimsey, this virtual tea-tasting workshop will introduce you to several new teas while exploring their history and flavor profiles!
Online
Thursday, April 24, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
More information
Sponsored by the Friends of the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, Carroll County Public Library, and Tea and Whimsey, this virtual tea-tasting workshop will introduce you to several new teas while exploring their history and flavor profiles!
The library will mail you three teas to taste for this workshop. You will need the following on hand to get the full benefit of the workshop:
- Tea provided by the library
- Hot water to steep the tea
- Tasting cups
Register for free at https://marylandlibraries.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_R9fCdlUqTlaWVPK4ayCLUQ.
Lunch Meal Prep: Soba Noodles with Shrimp and Ginger Dressing
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This hands-on class will teach you how to prepare perfectly cooked soba noodles, shrimp, and a zesty ginger dressing for a delicious, make-ahead lunch. Participants will make enough to eat in class and a portion to bring home for tomorrow's lunch.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This hands-on class will teach you how to prepare perfectly cooked soba noodles, shrimp, and a zesty ginger dressing for a delicious, make-ahead lunch. Participants will make enough to eat in class and a portion to bring home for tomorrow's lunch.
Kentucky Hot Browns
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 1, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich is a meal-worthy dish that's over-the-top delicious! Make open-faced sandwiches with thick slices of roasted turkey and fresh tomatoes on top of a thick piece of toasted bread, all smothered in a rich, cheesy Mornay sauce, broiled, and topped with crispy bacon. We'll also make a mock mint julep to celebrate the famous horse race.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 1, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich is a meal-worthy dish that's over-the-top delicious! Make open-faced sandwiches with thick slices of roasted turkey and fresh tomatoes on top of a thick piece of toasted bread, all smothered in a rich, cheesy Mornay sauce, broiled, and topped with crispy bacon. We'll also make a mock mint julep to celebrate the famous horse race.