Book excerpt: After traveling across the country for three years, Sheila Lukins, the co-author of The Silver Palate cookbooks and The New Basics Cookbook and author of All Around the World Cookbook, 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.