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
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:15pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on baking class! Participants will work in pairs to make delicious soft pretzels and a pub beer cheese dip to go with them. Enjoy a glass of specially-selected craft beer to go along with your food.
You must be 21 or older to attend; a government-issued photo ID is required.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
More information
Tickets $50--Purchase Now!
www.eventbrite.com/e/food-carroll-county-beer-pairing-tickets
Celebrate Carroll County’s Craft Brew Week at the Teaching Kitchen at Exploration Commons at 50 East. Join us to enjoy five delicious bites artfully paired with featured beers from several of our local breweries. Tonight’s tasting hosted by George Humbert of Pub Dog Brewing Company. You must be 21 or older to attend; a government-issued photo ID is required. $50 per person. Maximum of 2 tickets per person. Limited seating of 8.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
More information
Tickets $50--Purchase Now!
www.eventbrite.com/e/food-carroll-county-beer-pairing-tickets
Celebrate Carroll County’s Craft Brew Week at the Teaching Kitchen at Exploration Commons at 50 East. Join us to enjoy five delicious bites artfully paired with featured beers from several of our local breweries. Tonight’s tasting hosted by Jesse Johnson of Brewery Fire. You must be 21 or older to attend; a government-issued photo ID is required. $50 per person. Maximum of 2 tickets per person. Limited seating of 8.
Exploration Commons
Monday, October 2, 2023 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 11 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Pumpkins aren’t the only things you can carve for Halloween! This month’s Cooking for Wellness introduces a fun way for kids to enjoy more vegetables. Carve your own Pep-O-Lantern and stuff it with a healthy, hearty filling the whole family will enjoy! Learn tips on getting more veggies in meals, and kids will learn that veggies can be a fun food, too! Children ages 11 - 14 must attend with a registered adult; both attendees must register. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 10 - 17
Registration and more information
Learn how to make apple hand pies with Michele Alessi from Snickerdoodles Bakery.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This class will prepare five different sheet pan dinners to sample: Rosemary Garlic Pork Chops with Chickpeas, All-Crust Chicken Pot Pie, Gnocchi with Sausage and Peppers, Garlic Lime Salmon Fajitas, and No-Fry Eggplant Parmesan.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, October 7, 2023 - 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 11 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join guest presenter Chavee Sillence as she shares Thai recipes with us. In this hands-on class, learn to prepare Larb Gai (ground chicken salad) and Tom Kha (coconut shrimp soup). Children ages 11 - 14 may register and attend with a registered adult; both attendees must register.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 12, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Pears are an extremely versatile fruit! From hearty fare to light breakfasts to delightful desserts and simple snacks, there are tons of delicious recipes to help you embrace pears year-round! We'll be making five feature recipes from USA Pears: Poached Pears with Mascarpone and Candied Almonds, Pear and Toasted Farro Salad, Baked Pear Crumb Doughnuts, Pear Upside Down Cake, and Chorizo Pear Pizza.
Exploration Commons
Friday, October 13, 2023 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on family baking class! We’ll learn to make delicious fluffy Soufflé Pancakes and finish with powdered sugar and toppings. One registration per group, up to four participants. This class is for families with children ages six and up, and an adult must accompany children.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Make fall-themed caramel apples from scratch. Participants will learn how to prepare and dip apples in caramel and chocolate and decorate them with fun toppings.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, October 21, 2023 - 10:30am - 11:00am
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create a Spooky Monster Munch Mix and brew a Mad Scientist Potion in this fun family class.
One registration per family, with max family size of four. For families with children ages six and up, an adult must accompany children. Please list the attendees' names and indicate the children's ages.
As this is a limited registration event, please cancel if you will not be attending so that another family may participate in this activity.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, October 21, 2023 - 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create a Spooky Monster Munch Mix and brew a Mad Scientist Potion in this fun family class.
One registration per family, with max family size of four. For families with children ages six and up, an adult must accompany children. Please list the attendees' names and indicate the children's ages.
As this is a limited registration event, please cancel if you will not be attending so that another family may participate in this activity.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, October 21, 2023 - 2:30pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 6 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create a Spooky Monster Munch Mix and brew a Mad Scientist Potion in this fun family class.
One registration per family, with max family size of four. For families with children ages six and up, an adult must accompany children. Please list the attendees' names and indicate the children's ages.
As this is a limited registration event, please cancel if you will not be attending so that another family may participate in this activity.
Exploration Commons
Monday, October 23, 2023 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Find out what makes an apple a good baking apple. Try some samples and choose the types of apples to use in your pie. Prepare a scratch pie crust and assemble the pie here, then take it home to bake right away or freeze for later.