Pin 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 favorite at our family New Years parties. Everyone enjoys choosing their grapes and sampling the variety of flavors on one beautiful platter.
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 This dessert board always brings smiles as family and friends gather to share the tradition and delicious flavors 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 This Grapes of Fortune Dessert Board is perfect for celebrating new beginnings with style and taste.
Recipe FAQ
- → What are the best grapes to use for this platter?
Seedless red, green, or mixed grapes work well, offering sweetness and easy-to-eat clusters that complement other elements.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses for a vegan alternative?
Yes, plant-based cheeses can replace dairy options to suit vegan preferences without compromising flavor variety.
- → How should I arrange the grapes on the board?
Group grapes in clusters of 12 to symbolize each month of the year; this adds visual appeal and cultural significance.
- → What accompaniments pair well with this dessert selection?
Fresh berries, orange slices, dark chocolate, almond cookies, and candied nuts create a balanced combination of textures and tastes.
- → How can I make this board more festive for New Year's?
Add edible flowers and fresh mint sprigs as garnishes, and consider pairing with sparkling wine or non-alcoholic bubbly.