People are returning home for dinner, but who will do the cooking?

For several decades, the growing trend was more meals prepared away from home. Now, sparked by an uncertain economy, American are heading back to their own kitchens, according to national surveys.

All that restaurant dining has expanded people's taste buds but left their cooking skills lacking. Menu-planning, following recipes, chopping, mixing and hovering over a stove can be daunting for those who never got much practice at it or don't feel they have the time.

"Make no mistake, Americans don't want to cook, we're just trying to figure out how to put food on the table the easiest and cheapest way possible," said Harry Balzer of the NPD Group, who spoke to food writers at the Pillsbury Bake-off in Dallas last spring. He writes the company's annual Eating Patterns in America report, based on extensive consumer research.

According to U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2008, more than 80 percent of shoppers say they cook meals at home at least three times a week. But 18 percent say at least one meal eaten at home is prepared somewhere else, and 5 percent eat takeout or home-delivery meals at least three times a week.

Many enterprising companies are coming up with options to fill that void between eating out and the home-cooked meal. Hamburger Helper, pizza delivery and fast-food takeout have been with us for decades. But here are a few of the more recent dinner options. Which is best for you depends on whether you're more concerned with taste, time, convenience or cost.

Ready to go

Dinners By Diana, 383 E. Gentile St., Layton, was founded three years ago by Diana and J. Brett McDonald. They came up with the idea when they realized how hectic their own dinnertime had become with four busy children. People can drop by any time between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. and buy items such as pot roast with mashed potatoes and carrots, smothered in beefy gravy, or barbecued ribs and lasagna, packaged in aluminum trays to reheat at home. A tray that generously feeds two people is $8.49-$10.49; a medium size is $19.99-$21.49; and a six-to-eight-serving pan is $30.99-$33.99.

"We make everything from scratch daily," said J. Brett McDonald. "We cut, peel, chop and cook, just like you would at home. That's what our customers say they want, good old-fashioned home cooking."

They offer nine entrees daily, as well as fresh-made soups and salads. A local baker also supplies baked goods, and there are crafts on display for sale, adding to the store's homey feeling. (www.dinnersbydiana.com or 801-593-5911)