Book excerpt: Crack into this collection of fifty-two sweet and savory crème brûlée recipes, featuring simple tips for preparation and presentation. With its caramelized crisp topping and delicious silken custard, crème brûlée makes a fine finale for any occasion. Cooking expert Lou Seibert Pappas shows you how to make a variety of sweet, savory, nutty, or chocolately recipes using just a few key ingredients plus flavorings. Create such showstoppers as irresistible Double-Chocolate Crème Brûlée, Balsamic-Blackberry Crème Brûlée made with Greek-style yogurt, tartly sweet Cranberry-Orange Crème Brûlée, or sweet and crunchy Pineapple-Macadamia Crème Brûlée. Featuring easy-to-follow recipes that will delight first-time cooks as well as the most experienced chefs, page after page of scrumptious color photographs, plus practical presentation and serving tips, Crème Brûlée is the perfect guide to great home entertaining. Welcome to simple elegance.