It's hot.
Too hot to turn on the oven.

Fortunately there are countless recipes that require neither an oven nor a stove top. Here are some of my favorite recipes to keep the kitchen cool and to beat the heat.


Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 6030070

Pink Lemonade with Ginger from Delicious Days will quench your thirst.

I love this Chopped Apple and Feta Salad recipe from Real Simple magazine. The combination of fruit, cheese, herbs and greens is wonderful!

My battered copy of The Silver Palate Good Times Cookbook by Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins offers this Marinated Tomato and Cheese Salad.

4 ripe, large tomatoes, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 pound Brie, rind removed, cheese cut into irregular pieces
1 cup fresh basil leaves (1 small bunch), cut into strips
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2/3 cup best-quality olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. Combine the tomatoes, Brie, basil, garlic, oil, salt and pepper in a large serving bowl. Let stand covered at room temperature at least 2 hours.
2. Serve with crusty Italian bread and assorted charcuterie or as a filling for sandwiches
6-8 portions

This luscious Chilled Avocado Soup will keep you cool.

The perfect end to a hot, summer evening is this sparkling, elegant White Peach, Cassis and Champagne Float.