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
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.
Design and Engrave: Gift Box
Exploration Commons
Friday, May 2, 2025 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Customize your own gift box design on our Epilog Fusion Pro Engraver. Participants will create their own designs using images and text in Adobe Illustrator. You will leave with a beautifully engraved gift box, perfect for any occasion. No previous experience is necessary, and laser certification is not required.
This will be a two-part project. Part 2 will be in the EC Teaching Kitchen to fill your gift box with Peanut Butter Fudge and Pecan Brittle.
Exploration Commons
Friday, May 2, 2025 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Customize your own gift box design on our Epilog Fusion Pro Engraver. Participants will create their own designs using images and text in Adobe Illustrator. You will leave with a beautifully engraved gift box, perfect for any occasion. No previous experience is necessary, and laser certification is not required.
This will be a two-part project. Part 2 will be in the EC Teaching Kitchen to fill your gift box with Peanut Butter Fudge and Pecan Brittle.
Cooking for Wellness: Turkey Tacos
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 5, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a heart-healthy taco recipe that utilizes ingredients native to Mexico. This will be followed by a presentation on heart health and stroke awareness with a registered dietitian and registered nurse. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 5, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a heart-healthy taco recipe that utilizes ingredients native to Mexico. This will be followed by a presentation on heart health and stroke awareness with a registered dietitian and registered nurse. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.
Knife Skills Practice: Mediterranean Chickpea and Feta Salad
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Sharpen your knife skills! In this hands-on class, participants will make a Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Feta Cheese to take home while practicing cutting techniques learned in our Basic Knife Skills class.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Sharpen your knife skills! In this hands-on class, participants will make a Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Feta Cheese to take home while practicing cutting techniques learned in our Basic Knife Skills class.
Make and Enjoy: Gift Box
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Customize your own gift box design on our Epilog Fusion Pro Engraver. Participants will create their own designs using images and text in Adobe Illustrator. You will leave with a beautifully engraved gift box, perfect for any occasion. No previous experience is necessary, and laser certification is not required.
This will be a two-part project. Part 2 will be in the EC Teaching Kitchen to fill your gift box with Peanut Butter Fudge and Pecan Brittle.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Customize your own gift box design on our Epilog Fusion Pro Engraver. Participants will create their own designs using images and text in Adobe Illustrator. You will leave with a beautifully engraved gift box, perfect for any occasion. No previous experience is necessary, and laser certification is not required.
This will be a two-part project. Part 2 will be in the EC Teaching Kitchen to fill your gift box with Peanut Butter Fudge and Pecan Brittle.
Kentucky Hot Browns
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
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 8, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
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.
Inclusive Cooks: Pan-Seared Pork Chops
Exploration Commons
Friday, May 9, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on cooking series for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and people without, we will prepare Pan-Seared Pork Chops with a simple pan sauce, mashed potatoes, and roasted broccoli.
Exploration Commons
Friday, May 9, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on cooking series for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and people without, we will prepare Pan-Seared Pork Chops with a simple pan sauce, mashed potatoes, and roasted broccoli.
AAPI Celebration: Scallion Pancakes with Jen Yang
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 12, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI) with Jennifer Yang of Covalent Spirits. Jen will teach her 'taste of home' recipe for making scallion pancakes. Attendees will make their own scallion pancakes while hearing about Jen's childhood memories around cooking, food, and more!
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 12, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI) with Jennifer Yang of Covalent Spirits. Jen will teach her 'taste of home' recipe for making scallion pancakes. Attendees will make their own scallion pancakes while hearing about Jen's childhood memories around cooking, food, and more!
Practice Your Piping Skills!
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:15pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class, we will first practice different piping designs on paper. Then, you will use those skills to decorate an 8"x8" single-layer cake with colorful designs, which you can take home.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:15pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class, we will first practice different piping designs on paper. Then, you will use those skills to decorate an 8"x8" single-layer cake with colorful designs, which you can take home.
Indonesian Dessert: Martabak Manis
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 15, 2025 - 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join guest presenter Wu Schafer as she shares information and recipes from Indonesia. In this hands-on class, we will prepare an Indonesian dessert dish, Martabak Manis, a stuffed pancake that is a decadent dessert and common street food.
Children ages 12 - 14 may register and attend ONLY if a supervising adult registers and attends with them. An adult can supervise a maximum of two children.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 15, 2025 - 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join guest presenter Wu Schafer as she shares information and recipes from Indonesia. In this hands-on class, we will prepare an Indonesian dessert dish, Martabak Manis, a stuffed pancake that is a decadent dessert and common street food.
Children ages 12 - 14 may register and attend ONLY if a supervising adult registers and attends with them. An adult can supervise a maximum of two children.
Kids in the Kitchen: Practice Your Piping Skills!
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 17, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:15pm
Ages: 10 - 14
Registration and more information
In this class, we will first practice different piping designs on paper. Then, you will use those skills to decorate an 8"x8" single-layer cake with colorful designs, which you can take home.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 17, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:15pm
Ages: 10 - 14
Registration and more information
In this class, we will first practice different piping designs on paper. Then, you will use those skills to decorate an 8"x8" single-layer cake with colorful designs, which you can take home.
Lunch Meal Prep: Soba Noodles with Shrimp and Ginger Dressing
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
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
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
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.
Dinner's on Me: California Roll Sushi Bowl
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
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 practice basic knife skills and prepare a tasty California Roll Sushi Bowl.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
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 practice basic knife skills and prepare a tasty California Roll Sushi Bowl.
Baking Together: Cinnamon Star Bread
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 22, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Each group will shape and bake a delicious Cinnamon Star Bread using pre-made dough. Registration is for a group of up to four attendees. Anyone under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Please indicate the names and ages of the children when registering.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 22, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Each group will shape and bake a delicious Cinnamon Star Bread using pre-made dough. Registration is for a group of up to four attendees. Anyone under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Please indicate the names and ages of the children when registering.