GRANGER — Hard times are forcing lots of people out of restaurants and into their own kitchens. Some are brushing up on their cooking skills, and others are learning how to cook for the first time.

"We're gonna make scrambled eggs with cheese!" Elise Kunkel told her eager class of 14 cooking students.

"I need some expert egg crackers up here," the Martin's Supermarkets Cooking School Coordinator said.

Cooking classes like that one are becoming more popular for kids and adults.

"We're getting a lot of older women who kind of took a break from cooking," Kunkel said. "Also we're getting the single men who again, [are] trying to save money, trying to learn how to cook at home."

Retail giant Wal-Mart reported sales of pots, pans and other dining items were strong in February. More people are also buying food magazines and cook books.

Bill and Michelle Spalding spent part of their Saturday grocery shopping. The couple said they used to dine out up to four times a week. But now, it's only once a week.

"And that's maybe pizza," said Michelle. "Take home pizza, take and bake. It's cheaper.

The Spaldings are among a growing trend of people turning on their own stoves — waiting for the economy to heat up.

"I throw [dinner] in the crock and season my own," explained Michelle, who used to run a catering business. "You can buy an Italian seasoning mix for three or four bucks and it'll last you a long time."

"You can feed a lot more people on a lot less," added Kunkel. It's definitely worth it."

Steve Moore, the Assistant Manager at the Martin's Supermarket on Gumwood Rd. in Granger said more shoppers still want to go gourmet at home. Martin's has several ready-to-microwave meals made inside their stores.

"The eggplant is one of our best sellers," Moore said.

The store also marks some of its steak and chicken with a "grill-ready" sticker, so customers know it's already been seasoned.

"Our shish-ka-bobs, [it's] unbelievable how much of those we sell," he added.

Customers can also pick up a recipe or search for one while they're shopping.

"Recipes are a big deal right now. Everybody's watching Rachel Ray," said Moore.

Many local grocery stores are also offering family meal deals where a certain number of people can be fed for under $15.

Cooking classes at the Martin's on Gumwood Rd. are listed on the

store's website. The adult classes cost $20 to $30 per person.

French Chef Laurent also offers a class at Toscana Park downstairs at Villa Macri. His classes are generally $40 to $65 per person.