According to consumer researchers The Hartman Group, nearly half of all adults in the US eat meals alone. Sharing a meal with family and friends can foster community and conversation. Recent studies suggest that children who eat meals with their families are typically happier and more stable than those who do not.

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For Peter (r.) and Trese Ainsworth (l.) of Needham, Mass., this is their first cooking class at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts in Cambridge, Mass. Mr. Ainsworth, a lawyer, professes that he is a relatively new convert to the kitchen – but a passionate one. Now he prepares a big family meal every Sunday.