Families should make a plan to spend more time together in the kitchen this year.This is the view of child cookery expert Samantha Barnes who suggests that to beat the economic downturn and provide fun for all, families should look to the kitchen.Cutting back on eating out shouldnt mean sacrificing quality time, the founder of cooking school Kitchen Kid said.Writing in the Santa Monica Daily Press, she suggests that families should commit to one kitchen night every week.Ms Barnes also says that everyone should be involved in the cooking process, whether that involves manning the kitchen sink to fill pots and pans with water, or peeling vegetables.On the night of Family Kitchen, make sure each family member lends a hand. From reading recipes and stirring risotto, to tearing bread and grating cheese, theres a kitchen task thats perfect for every chef, young or old.Recent research from Alliance Leicester seemed to suggest that families of all ages will be spending more time in the kitchen as the financial downturn continues.Some 16 per cent of over 50s said they will be cutting back on eating out to make ends meet.