Save A festive, elegant dessert board inspired by the tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight for luck. This vibrant platter combines fresh grapes with sweet treats, cheeses, and crunchy accompaniments for a delightful end to your New Years celebration.
This dessert board has become a highlight of our New Years celebration, bringing luck and smiles as everyone picks their grapes of fortune.
Ingredients
- Fruit: 96 seedless grapes (red, green, or mixed about 12 per person), 1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries), 1 orange thinly sliced
- Cheeses: 200 g brie cheese, 150 g manchego cheese, 150 g blue cheese
- Sweet Treats: 150 g dark chocolate squares or truffles, 12 almond cookies or biscotti, 1/2 cup candied nuts (almonds or pecans), 1/2 cup honey or fruit preserves
- Crackers & Bread: 1 baguette sliced, 1 box assorted crackers
- Garnishes: Fresh mint sprigs, Edible flowers (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Wash and dry the grapes and berries thoroughly. Slice the orange into thin rounds.
- Step 2:
- Arrange the grapes in small clusters or piles of 12 to represent each month of the New Year across the board.
- Step 3:
- Add the cheeses spacing them around the board for visual appeal.
- Step 4:
- Fill in gaps with berries orange slices chocolate cookies and candied nuts.
- Step 5:
- Place honey or preserves in a small bowl with a spoon.
- Step 6:
- Add baguette slices and crackers in stacks or fans around the edges.
- Step 7:
- Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and edible flowers if using.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately inviting guests to select their 12 grapes of fortune and enjoy the assortment.
Pin it This dessert board always brings the family together as we share stories and wishes for the New Year while enjoying the colorful spread.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter, small bowls for honey preserves, serving knives for cheese, spoons for honey preserves, small tongs or forks (optional)
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese) nuts (candied nuts almond cookies) gluten (bread cookies crackers) and possible traces of soy (chocolate). Double-check all labels for allergens and cross-contamination if serving guests with sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Calories 350 Total Fat 18 g Carbohydrates 38 g Protein 8 g (per serving estimate)
Pin it This dessert board is the perfect sweet ending to ring in the New Year with luck and style.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What types of grapes work best for this board?
Seedless grapes in red, green, or mixed varieties are ideal, as they’re easy to eat and visually appealing.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses with vegan options?
Yes, plant-based cheeses can be used to create a vegan-friendly board without compromising flavor.
- → How should I arrange the components for best presentation?
Group grapes in clusters of 12, spread out cheeses evenly, and fill gaps with berries, slices of orange, sweets, and nuts for a balanced look.
- → What are suitable accompaniments to serve with this platter?
Include sliced baguette, assorted crackers, honey or fruit preserves, and optionally edible flowers and fresh mint to enhance appearance and taste.
- → Is this board suitable for dietary restrictions?
It contains dairy, nuts, gluten, and possible soy traces. Always check ingredients carefully for guests with allergies.
- → Can this board be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, assemble shortly before serving to maintain freshness and appealing textures.