Whew!  If you're like me, summer heat always makes the idea of indoor cooking a little less appealing.  Add to that the fact that I'm 9 months pregnant and our AC is completely dysfunctional and you'll see why I've been on a veritable campaign to find convenient, economical ways to keep my family well-fed without making the kitchen hotter than you-know-where!  Here's the best I've come up with:

Sandwiches:  I'm not talking PB and J here!  I'm talking the good kind.  I'm talking restaurant style, so get creative. Buy french bread or bakery rolls, split and toast them under the broiler.  Get all your fixings ready (i.e. tonight we're having leftover grilled chicken with bacon, tomato and cheese), pile them on and slip it all back under the broiler to melt the cheese if you want before adding items that shouldn't be heated, like lettuce.  Plate it all up with a nice green salad and you've got dinner, delicious and ready in under 20 min, with a heated agent working for less than 10!

Electric Griddle:  I'm not sure if this is true of all gas ranges, but mine seems to heat up the room quite a bit with just one burner running.  I've broken out the electric griddle to combat this quite often this summer to very happy results.  And remember, it's good for more than just breakfast for dinner (although I am a major fan of that option!).  Use it for deluxe quesadillas or grilled cheese.  If you're something both fun and exotic try yaki niku (a.k.a. Korean Barbeque).  It's easy and delicious!  Thinly slice pieces of beef, onions, peppers, and which ever vegetables appeal to you.  Place the griddle in the middle of the table and allow everyone to quick grill their own meats and veggies.  Serve with rice and special sauce, which should be available in the ethnic foods aisle at your local super market.  

Crock-pot/electric skillet:  I've been using these gadgets for everything from pot roast to fish and chips!  It takes a little bit of playing with to get the temperatures just right but once you get the hang of it, these items can produce almost anything an oven can :)  

Take help where you can get it:  I'm a big believer in letting the store do some of the work for me or taking the quickie option when if it doesn't mean MAJOR sacrifices in flavor or nutrition.  Go ahead and pick up that rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.  Shred it up and make the goodness stretch 2 or more meals.  Go for the instant mashed potatoes (Betty Crocker makes a great version that's ready in 8 min) if you can't stand the idea of a steaming kitchen for 20 min or more!  And go fresh, add full servings of fruits and veggies to every meal.  They will keep you full and add delicious value to your menu with very little dressing up!