If you're into all things British (Hello, the engagement of Prince William!), then you need to know about the scone. The scone is the British version of quick bread, and is said to be of Scottish origin. This pastry is a cousin to the Scottish griddle cake known as a bannock. In the beginning, scones were made from oats and...

My father was an inveterate collector, and over the years, he converted our house into a kind of museum. The first floor was literally filled with books, antique furniture, Oriental rugs, paintings and all of the accessories that make a space come alive. My father's taste was wide-ranging and impeccable, and best of all, none of the rooms were off-limits...