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 a staple at our New Years gatherings, bringing a festive touch and joy to the table as everyone picks their 12 grapes of fortune.
Ingredients
- Seedless grapes: 96 (red, green, or mixed about 12 per person)
- Fresh berries: 1 cup (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
- Orange: 1, thinly sliced
- Brie cheese: 200 g
- Manchego cheese: 150 g
- Blue cheese: 150 g
- Dark chocolate squares or truffles: 150 g
- Almond cookies or biscotti: 12
- Candied nuts: 1/2 cup (almonds or pecans)
- Honey or fruit preserves: 1/2 cup
- Baguette: 1, sliced
- Assorted crackers: 1 box
- Fresh mint sprigs: as needed
- 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 Gathering around this board has created memorable moments with family and friends, sharing traditions and new stories each year.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter, small bowls for honey or preserves, serving knives for cheese, spoons for honey or preserves, and 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
Approximately 350 calories per serving, with 18 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, and 8 g protein.
Pin it This dessert board brings both luck and delicious variety to your celebration with minimal prep time.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What types of grapes work best for this board?
Seedless red, green, or mixed grapes are ideal for ease of eating and visual appeal. Choose firm, fresh grapes for best texture.
- → How can I make this board suitable for vegans?
Replace the dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use vegan-friendly chocolates and cookies to adapt the flavors accordingly.
- → What cheeses complement grapes well on this board?
Soft brie, nutty manchego, and tangy blue cheese pair beautifully with the sweetness of grapes and berries, offering varied taste profiles.
- → How should the board be arranged for best presentation?
Cluster grapes in groups of twelve reflecting tradition, space cheeses evenly, and fill gaps with berries, orange slices, and sweet treats for a balanced colorful display.
- → Can this board be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, fruits and cheeses can be prepped earlier, but assemble the board shortly before serving to preserve freshness and texture.
- → What are good beverage pairings with this assortment?
Sparkling wine, bubbly non-alcoholic drinks, or crisp white wines complement the assortment’s sweet and savory elements well.