While no one wants to cook in a sweltering kitchen or eat hot soups and stews when temperatures soar, your choices are many. Look beyond the obvious and mundane for some new cool ideas. Chicken, seafood, beef, pork and cooked dry beans can be every bit as tasty cold as hot. We've compiled tips to help you chill out for the rest of the summer. And we're offering four recipes for bored palates.
None requires turning on the oven.
All can be prepared in the cool of the morning, or the night before. All are hearty and satisfying for a hungry family or discriminating guests. With cool summer recipes, there is no need to sweat Cool it with this Italian seafood salad or Oriental beef and noodle salad, both pictured. Cook in the early morning or after sundown when outside temperatures are more moderate. Refrigerate the foods and serve them cold, or reheat them in the microwave oven.