According to a new survey from Mintel, Americans are spending more time in the kitchen—and enjoying it. More than one quarter (26 percent) of Americans claim they “love” cooking at home, while just nine percent say they don’t like fixing meals. According to the report, the US is a nation of gourmands, with 20 percent describing their cooking level as advanced and another 46 percent as intermediary.  Personal finances could play a role in cooking’s renewed popularity, with 54 percent believing that cooking meals at home is cheaper than dining out and 43 percent believing cooking is cheaper than purchasing prepared foods at a store. The survey is available for purchase at Mintel.com.