Can compressed CO2 sprayed onto a hot mass/liquid be an effective means to cool it? I thought the answer was obvious, but endless google searching has revealed nothing but speculation and people who have completely conflicting opinions. Some people say $\ce{CO2}$ absorbs no heat, others say it can cool things extremely rapidly. Anyone who has ever had compressed $\ce{CO2}$ sprayed on themselves or on hands knows it can cause very rapid drop in temperature on what ever it hits very fast.

So, if I have a really hot mass of liquid, would spraying compressed $\ce{CO2}$ on it be an effective means of freezing/solidying the mass? - Assuming the liquid is well above room temperature (100+) and turns to a solid after a 20-30 degree drop in temperature?

I understand why the $\ce{CO2}$ is cold coming out of the tank, as it is decompressed, but is it effective at absorbing heat?
Celebrity chef Alton Brown produces ice cream using a device called the Jet Cream.  He sprays $\ce{CO2}$ from a fire extinguisher at a stream of chocolate milk, instantly producing ice cream. The only difference in your scenario and his is the starting temperature of the liquid.

To say that $\ce{CO2}$ absorbs no heat is absurd.  If it is colder than what it touches, it should absorb heat.