After traveling across the country for three years, Sheila Lukins, the co-author of <i>The Silver Palate </i>cookbooks and <i>The New Basics Cookbook</i> and author of <i>All Around the World Cookbook</i>, set to work tasting, interpreting, and making magic in over 600 recipes. Here are Mashed Yukon Golds, a Stovetop Clambake, Vegetable Jambalaya, Bing Cherry Chutney, Peachy Keen Pie. Quesadillas with duck and caramelized onions, a burger stuffed with Maytag blue cheese, gazpacho made with both fresh and roasted vegetables, crab cakes sumptuous with lobster meat, orange zest, and mace. It's a star-spangled celebration. 355,000 copies in print. <P>