Creamy Spicy Chilled Avocado Soup.[Photograph: theindolentcook]

For last week's hot and steamy episode of Weekend Cook and Tell we asked you to share your favorite no-cook cookery, the heat-free (i.e., ovenless and stove-free) recipes that keep you cool even when the temperatures outside are soaring. Here's a look at some of the cool-off creations you contributed.

CheesePlease shared a new take on a summertime classic, Gazpacho, which he refers to as "liquid salad." The simple recipe comes from a Spanish friend and is nothing more than a can of whole peeled tomatoes, a cucumber, a red pepper, an onion, and equal parts olive oil and Sherry vinegar. According to CheesePlease this recipe gets extra points for not needing salt; the vinegar seems to do the seasoning trick.

Taking a cue from the summer soup-smoothies that inspired this week's challenge, theindolentcook shared a No-Cook Avocado Soup with chiles and mint that's as easy as throwing together a smoothie.

When it comes to no-cook cookery, sally599 has two secret weapons: store-bought rotisserie chicken and canned beans. This White Bean and Roasted Chicken Salad combines those two favorites with basil, tomato, and red onions for a keep-cool summer night dinner.

Tomato Avocado Sandwich with Mozzarella.[Photograph: KarmaFreeCooking]

Open View Gardens hipped us to the fact that artichokes don't always necessitate cooking. This Raw Artichoke and Parmesan Salad dresses thin-sliced 'chokes with a lemony vinaigrette that has enough acid to "cook" them without ever seeing a pot of boiling water.

Ken G shared an intriguingly good for you dessert, No-Cook Avocado Lime Cheesecake. In lieu of the graham cracker crust, Ken G presses toasted wheat germ into the pan and fills it with a smooth mix of avocados, cream cheese, lime juice, and a bit of corn starch to thicken it.

While our resident bread baker dbcurrie is certainly not afraid of turning on the oven in the summer, she's got quite a few no-cook recipes up her sleeve. Her Guacamole with Kiwi gets a tart crunch from the little fuzzy fruits, a Scallop Ceviche works as a summer salad, appetizer, or entrée, and this Almond Butter Cream Cheese Tart is beautiful way to end a stove-less meal.

When it comes to no-bake summer desserts, MMinNYC turns to Martha Stewart, especially these Tiramisu Sundaes made with espresso-soaked ladyfingers, whipped cream, and gelato.

After an intense cleanse KarmaFreeCooking was all about the raw foods, perfect coming up with recipes for this week's challenge like this tart Acid Fruits Salad whose tartness is cut with with agave nectar; Guacamole with criollo lemon, a Puerto Rican citrus fruit that looks like a lemon but tastes like a lime; and Tomato Avocado Sandwiches layered with fresh mozzarella and butter lettuce.

Thanks to everyone who shared their "don't work up a sweat" recipes for this week's Weekend Cook and Tell challenge. Be sure to head over to Talk and read about next week's challenge: Picnic Provisions.