Oat Cuisine

Not overly excited about porridge and oat cakes? Westland proves there is more to oat cookery than such bland fare. Not surprisingly, this British cookbook presents recipes for many dishes that have their roots in the United Kingdom. Breakfast offerings include grilled herrings, oatmeal bannocks and dried fruit muesli. Mushroom pate and cheese and nut pate (both made with oatmeal) and Aberdeen patties (made with haddock and rolled porridge oats) are suggested when ""time is the essence.'' Spiced lentil pilaf, spinach and veal rolls, and chicken aubergines are among the entree recipes, and there are also chapters devoted to soups, stews, side dishes, desserts and breads. Though oat cuisine may not be haute cuisine, it certainly is hearty and healthful. Photos. (April 21)