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 has become my go-to for holiday parties, always impressing guests with its color and flavors.
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 Preparing this board has become a cherished family tradition, bringing everyone together for a festive and tasty moment.
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
Per serving estimate: Calories 350 Total Fat 18 g Carbohydrates 38 g Protein 8 g
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Enjoy your festive dessert board and may your New Year be filled with luck and delicious moments.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What types of grapes work best for this board?
Seedless grapes in red, green, or mixed varieties provide a fresh and juicy burst that pairs well with cheeses and sweets.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses for a vegan option?
Yes, plant-based cheeses can be used to maintain the creamy texture and complement the fruit and snacks.
- → How should I arrange the grapes on the board?
Group grapes into small clusters of twelve to symbolize the months of the year, spreading them evenly across the serving surface.
- → What are good accompaniments for this platter?
Include fresh berries, orange slices, dark chocolate, almond cookies, candied nuts, baguette slices, and assorted crackers for a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
- → How do I add visual appeal to the dessert board?
Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and edible flowers to bring color and freshness that enhance presentation.
- → Is this platter suitable for a large group?
The quantities are designed to serve 6–8 people, making it ideal for intimate gatherings and celebrations.