Save to Pins 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 is a family favorite during holiday celebrations. I love how it brings everyone together with the tradition of 12 grapes for luck.
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 Pins This board has become a highlight of our New Years celebrations, sparking joy and conversation around the table as everyone picks their grapes for luck.
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 Pins This dessert board will impress guests with its vibrant colors and thoughtful assembly making your celebration extra special.
Questions & Answers
- → What grapes are best for this dessert board?
Seedless grapes, whether red, green, or mixed, work well to create clusters and ensure easy eating.
- → Can the cheeses be substituted?
Yes, you can swap cheeses to suit preferences, including plant-based options for vegan guests.
- → How should the platter be arranged?
Place grapes in clusters of twelve around the board, then add cheeses, berries, orange slices, and sweet treats in alternating sections for visual appeal.
- → What sweet treats complement the grapes and cheeses?
Dark chocolate squares, almond cookies, and candied nuts add contrasting flavors and textures that enhance the board.
- → Are there any allergen considerations?
This board contains dairy, nuts, and gluten; always check ingredient labels and notify guests accordingly.
- → What beverages pair well with this board?
Sparkling wine or a non-alcoholic bubbly are excellent choices to complement the varied flavors.