Save to Pinterest 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 my favorite way to ring in the new year with friends and family, offering a variety of flavors everyone can enjoy.
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.
Save to Pinterest This dessert board always brings smiles and sparks lively conversation at our family gatherings.
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)
Save to Pinterest This dessert board is an effortless way to add tradition and elegance to your New Years celebration.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What types of grapes work best for this platter?
Seedless red, green, or mixed grapes are ideal, providing a sweet and juicy burst that pairs well with cheeses and treats.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses for dietary preferences?
Yes, plant-based or vegan cheeses can be used to accommodate different diets while maintaining flavor and texture contrast.
- → How should the components be arranged?
Arrange grapes in small groups of twelve across the board, then space cheeses, berries, and sweet treats evenly to create visual interest.
- → What are good accompaniments for this board?
Include sliced baguette, assorted crackers, candied nuts, and honey or fruit preserves to enhance texture and flavor variety.
- → How far in advance can this board be prepared?
Most elements can be prepped earlier, but assemble and garnish just before serving to maintain freshness, especially the grapes and mint.