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 New Years Eve tradition in my family, bringing joy and luck as we enjoy our 12 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.
Save Sharing this dessert board with family always sparks laughter and warm conversations as we pick our lucky grapes 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)
Save This dessert board is a perfect blend of flavors and luck to ring in the New Year.
Recipe Guide
- → What types of grapes work best?
Seedless grapes in red, green, or mixed varieties provide ease of eating and appealing color contrasts on the board.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses for dietary needs?
Yes, plant-based cheeses can be used to accommodate vegan preferences while maintaining creamy textures.
- → How should I arrange the grapes for tradition?
Arrange grapes in clusters or piles of twelve, symbolizing each month, across the board for visual and cultural significance.
- → What sweet treats pair well with the grapes?
Dark chocolate squares, almond cookies, and candied nuts complement the fresh fruit with contrasting sweetness and crunch.
- → Are there recommended accompaniments?
Baguette slices and assorted crackers add texture and balance, ideal for pairing with cheeses and sweet elements.
- → How can I enhance the presentation?
Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and edible flowers to add color and a refreshing aroma to the board.