Happy Summer! The solstice is behind us, a heat wave is sweeping the Northeast, Cancer suns are throwing birthday parties. May we all embody the spirit of the Barefoot Contessa with our summertime entertaining: great food and drink, of course, and meaningful quality time with loved ones. Thank you all…

It’s summertime and the living is easy, as if life is ever particularly challenging when you’re a famous Food Network star. Welcome to the inaugural post of Kate & The Contessa! I’m happy you’re here. This project is a tribute to an icon of home cooking: Ina Garten, a.k.a. Barefoot…