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 my go to for New Years Eve gatherings. I love how everyone enjoys picking their 12 grapes of fortune and the beautiful spread makes the night feel extra special.
Ingredients
- 96 seedless grapes: red, green, or mixed about 12 per person
- 1 cup fresh berries: strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries
- 1 orange: thinly sliced
- 200 g brie cheese:
- 150 g manchego cheese:
- 150 g blue cheese:
- 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:
- 1 baguette: sliced
- 1 box assorted crackers:
- Fresh mint sprigs:
- Edible flowers: optional
Instructions
- Wash and Prepare:
- Wash and dry the grapes and berries thoroughly. Slice the orange into thin rounds.
- Arrange Grapes:
- Arrange the grapes in small clusters or piles of 12 to represent each month of the New Year across the board.
- Add Cheeses:
- Add the cheeses spacing them around the board for visual appeal.
- Fill Gaps:
- Fill in gaps with berries orange slices chocolate cookies and candied nuts.
- Prepare Honey:
- Place honey or preserves in a small bowl with a spoon.
- Add Bread and Crackers:
- Add baguette slices and crackers in stacks or fans around the edges.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and edible flowers if using.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately inviting guests to select their 12 grapes of fortune and enjoy the assortment.
Save This board always brings a family moment of joy as everyone gathers to share wishes for luck with their grapes.
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
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This dessert board is an elegant way to celebrate and share good fortune with loved ones.
Saffron Brook Recipe Q&As
- → How should the grapes be arranged on the board?
Arrange the grapes in small clusters or piles of 12 to symbolize each month, spreading them evenly across the board for a festive display.
- → What cheeses pair well with the grapes?
Brie, manchego, and blue cheese offer a balanced mix of creamy, nutty, and tangy flavors that complement the fresh grapes perfectly.
- → Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary preferences?
Yes, plant-based cheeses and chocolates can replace dairy options, and candied nuts may be swapped with chocolate-covered nuts or dried fruit for a vegan-friendly variation.
- → What is the best way to serve honey or preserves on the board?
Place honey or fruit preserves in a small bowl with a spoon on the board, allowing guests to drizzle or dip as they like.
- → Are there recommended accompaniments to serve with the platter?
Pairing with sparkling wine or non-alcoholic bubbly enhances the festive mood and complements the sweetness and acidity of the fruits and cheeses.