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
Restaurant Roundtable
Exploration Commons
Monday, July 29, 2024 - 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join a roundtable for chefs, managers, and restaurant owners in Carroll County and the surrounding area. Get together with your peers to discuss current issues, upcoming events, new menu items, personnel issues, and more. Hosted by the Teaching Kitchen at Exploration Commons at 50 East. There is no charge for this event, and registration is requested but not required. This will be a quarterly event.
Exploration Commons
Monday, July 29, 2024 - 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join a roundtable for chefs, managers, and restaurant owners in Carroll County and the surrounding area. Get together with your peers to discuss current issues, upcoming events, new menu items, personnel issues, and more. Hosted by the Teaching Kitchen at Exploration Commons at 50 East. There is no charge for this event, and registration is requested but not required. This will be a quarterly event.
Shrimp Ceviche Two Ways!
Exploration Commons
Monday, July 29, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Come make delicious Shrimp Ceviche with guest presenter Lory Hierstetter of Two Sides to the Story! She won the Two Sides Cookoff last year and will teach you how to make two flavors of this flavorful seafood salsa.
Exploration Commons
Monday, July 29, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Come make delicious Shrimp Ceviche with guest presenter Lory Hierstetter of Two Sides to the Story! She won the Two Sides Cookoff last year and will teach you how to make two flavors of this flavorful seafood salsa.
Family Cooking Class: Harry Potter Sweets and Treats
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on cooking class, participants will make Butterbeer, Hogwarts acceptance letters, and recreate a smaller version of Hagrid's birthday cake for Harry. One registration fee per group, up to four participants. For groups with children ages six and up, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on cooking class, participants will make Butterbeer, Hogwarts acceptance letters, and recreate a smaller version of Hagrid's birthday cake for Harry. One registration fee per group, up to four participants. For groups with children ages six and up, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Homemade Manicotti: Part 1
Exploration Commons
Thursday, August 1, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Chef Andrew Preziosi will teach authentic Italian cooking in this two-session class. Learn to make manicotti shells, filling, and marinara sauce from scratch, as well as tips for success. Note: this is a two-part class.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, August 1, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Chef Andrew Preziosi will teach authentic Italian cooking in this two-session class. Learn to make manicotti shells, filling, and marinara sauce from scratch, as well as tips for success. Note: this is a two-part class.
Homemade Manicotti: Part 2
Exploration Commons
Friday, August 2, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Chef Andrew Preziosi will teach authentic Italian cooking in this two-session class. Learn to make manicotti shells, filling, and marinara sauce from scratch, as well as tips for success. Note: this is a two-part class.
Exploration Commons
Friday, August 2, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Chef Andrew Preziosi will teach authentic Italian cooking in this two-session class. Learn to make manicotti shells, filling, and marinara sauce from scratch, as well as tips for success. Note: this is a two-part class.
Cooking for Wellness: Breastfeeding Support
Exploration Commons
Monday, August 5, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Breastfeeding can be a struggle. Getting all the nutrition to support this time period can be extra challenging. Join a registered dietitian to discuss how nutrition needs change when breastfeeding and how to make a convenient nutrition-dense meal that is friendly to this busy time in life. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital. Participants will be able to sample the dishes discussed in class; this class is meeting in Exploration Commons Classroom and nurslings are permitted to attend.
Exploration Commons
Monday, August 5, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Breastfeeding can be a struggle. Getting all the nutrition to support this time period can be extra challenging. Join a registered dietitian to discuss how nutrition needs change when breastfeeding and how to make a convenient nutrition-dense meal that is friendly to this busy time in life. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital. Participants will be able to sample the dishes discussed in class; this class is meeting in Exploration Commons Classroom and nurslings are permitted to attend.
Taste of Sicily: Caponata & Cannoli
Exploration Commons
Monday, August 5, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 11 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join guest chefs Dom and Stephanie Greco and sous chef Eric White from Ötzi Mediterranean Market & Eatery as they share Sicily's rich heritage and flavors. We will prepare a traditional caponata recipe full of sweet and sour flavors and explore the many ways this dish is enjoyed in everyday cuisine. We will conclude by making a delicious cannoli cream that can be eaten with cannolis, sfingi, cream puffs, and more. Children ages 11 - 14 may register and attend with a registered adult; all attendees must register.
Exploration Commons
Monday, August 5, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 11 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join guest chefs Dom and Stephanie Greco and sous chef Eric White from Ötzi Mediterranean Market & Eatery as they share Sicily's rich heritage and flavors. We will prepare a traditional caponata recipe full of sweet and sour flavors and explore the many ways this dish is enjoyed in everyday cuisine. We will conclude by making a delicious cannoli cream that can be eaten with cannolis, sfingi, cream puffs, and more. Children ages 11 - 14 may register and attend with a registered adult; all attendees must register.
Baking Basics: Angel Food Cake
Exploration Commons
Thursday, August 8, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn to bake a perfect angel food cake from scratch using six simple ingredients. Cakes will cool overnight and be ready for pickup the following day.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, August 8, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn to bake a perfect angel food cake from scratch using six simple ingredients. Cakes will cool overnight and be ready for pickup the following day.
Family Class: National S'mores Day
Exploration Commons
Saturday, August 10, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Bring your sweet tooth! Celebrate National S'mores Day with this family class, intended for groups of children ages 6 and up with at least one adult. Each registration is for a group of up to 4 attendees (one must be an adult).
Exploration Commons
Saturday, August 10, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Bring your sweet tooth! Celebrate National S'mores Day with this family class, intended for groups of children ages 6 and up with at least one adult. Each registration is for a group of up to 4 attendees (one must be an adult).
In this class, we will make:
- S'mores Cookie Cups
- S'mores Crispy Treats
- S'mores Pops
Knife Skills Practice: Black Bean Salad
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Sharpen your knife skills! Participants will make a black bean salad to take home in this hands-on class while practicing cutting techniques learned in our Basic Knife Skills class.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Sharpen your knife skills! Participants will make a black bean salad to take home in this hands-on class while practicing cutting techniques learned in our Basic Knife Skills class.
Baking with a Badge: Cinnamon Rolls
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, August 14, 2024 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 6 - 18
Registration and more information
In this group cooking class, we will make quick-rise cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting from scratch. Participants will be seated in table groups with officers from the Westminster City Police Department and will work in groups to create a batch of rolls! This is a great opportunity for attendees to work alongside our uniformed officers to create a sweet treat.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, August 14, 2024 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 6 - 18
Registration and more information
In this group cooking class, we will make quick-rise cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting from scratch. Participants will be seated in table groups with officers from the Westminster City Police Department and will work in groups to create a batch of rolls! This is a great opportunity for attendees to work alongside our uniformed officers to create a sweet treat.
Meal Prep Strategies: Wrap Sandwiches
Exploration Commons
Friday, August 16, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Build a toolbox of strategies to make meal prep easy to integrate into your busy life. We will discuss increasing nutrient density, making easy recipe variations, and simplifying this ongoing task. You will prepare a nutrient-dense wrap sandwich that will satisfy your hunger and taste great too. This class includes a plant-based recipe that can be made gluten-free upon request in advance.
Exploration Commons
Friday, August 16, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Build a toolbox of strategies to make meal prep easy to integrate into your busy life. We will discuss increasing nutrient density, making easy recipe variations, and simplifying this ongoing task. You will prepare a nutrient-dense wrap sandwich that will satisfy your hunger and taste great too. This class includes a plant-based recipe that can be made gluten-free upon request in advance.
Group Baking: Cinnamon Rolls
Exploration Commons
Monday, August 19, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 6 - 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 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
Monday, August 19, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 6 - 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 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.
Bagels
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:15pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on baking class! We'll learn how to make delicious bagels and a flavorful cream cheese.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:15pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on baking class! We'll learn how to make delicious bagels and a flavorful cream cheese.
Tomato Galette
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, August 21, 2024 - 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will make a delicious tomato galette.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, August 21, 2024 - 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will make a delicious tomato galette.
Meal Prep Strategies: Breakfast Burritos
Exploration Commons
Thursday, August 22, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Build a toolbox of strategies to integrate meal prep into your busy life. We will discuss increasing nutrient density, making easy recipe variations, and simplifying this ongoing task. You will prepare a breakfast burrito recipe that is easy to freeze and reheat for your busy mornings.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, August 22, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Build a toolbox of strategies to integrate meal prep into your busy life. We will discuss increasing nutrient density, making easy recipe variations, and simplifying this ongoing task. You will prepare a breakfast burrito recipe that is easy to freeze and reheat for your busy mornings.