Pin It 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 quickly became my go-to party platter because everyone loves choosing their 12 grapes of fortune and pairing them with cheeses and sweets.
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 board is always a hit at family gatherings as everyone enjoys creating their own unique combinations to celebrate together.
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 Enjoy this colorful and symbolic dessert board as a perfect ending to your New Years celebration.
Recipe FAQs
- → How should the grapes be arranged for tradition?
Arrange the seedless grapes in clusters of twelve to represent each month of the year, enhancing the festive theme visually and symbolically.
- → What cheeses complement the grapes well?
Soft brie, nutty manchego, and tangy blue cheese provide a balanced range of textures and flavors that pair beautifully with fresh grapes.
- → Can this board be adapted for vegan diets?
Yes, substitute dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use vegan-friendly chocolates to create a similar festive experience.
- → What sweet treats enhance the flavor profile?
Dark chocolate squares, almond cookies or biscotti, and candied nuts add indulgent sweetness and crunch to the platter.
- → What garnishes are recommended for presentation?
Fresh mint sprigs and edible flowers add vibrant color and a refreshing aroma to the overall presentation.
- → How should accompaniments like bread and crackers be prepared?
Slice a baguette thinly and use a variety of crackers arranged around the board to offer a range of textures complementing the cheeses and fruits.