Fast & Flashy Hors D'Oeuvres

Lightheartedly labeling her 275 tidbits ``dunks,'' ``forms,'' ``tops'' and ``wraps,'' cooking instructor and consultant Braden offers a substantial repertoire of delicious, festive recipes well within the abilities of average chefs. ``Dunks,'' for example, encompasses sauces like cold Madeira-blue cheese, plum-mustard and pumpkin seed-chili. An ample assortment of toppings includes white-bean pate with ham and jack cheese, potted Reuben (derived from the sandwich) and such seasoned butters as potted Camembert and Gorgonzola with walnuts. Chicken and veal pate with shiitake mushrooms, cheddared sourdough puffs, cold prosciutto-basil souffle, and chevre-and-lox torta allow cooks to move well beyond the basics. Preparation notes at the end of each recipe bear the headings ``fast,'' ``flashy'' and ``fabulous.'' According to individual taste, this will seem either charming or tiresome. Sample menus should aid novice party-givers as well. Illustrated. (June)