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 board brings joy and luck to every gathering Ive made it several times for friends and family and it never disappoints
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 Gathering around this dessert board creates cherished moments and a sense of luck and celebration with loved ones
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
Save This dessert board is easy to assemble and sure to impress finishing your celebration with luck and style
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of grapes work best for this platter?
Seedless varieties like red, green, or mixed grapes provide the best balance of sweetness and ease of eating.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses used?
Yes, use cheeses with contrasting textures and flavors such as creamy brie, nutty manchego, and tangy blue cheese to retain balance.
- → How should I arrange the board for maximum visual appeal?
Cluster the grapes in groups of 12, space cheeses around the board, and fill gaps with berries, chocolate, cookies, and nuts for a colorful effect.
- → Are there vegan-friendly options for this platter?
Plant-based cheeses and dairy-free chocolates can replace traditional items, and nut or seed butters can enhance flavors.
- → What drinks pair well with this dessert board?
Light sparkling wines or non-alcoholic bubbly complement the fresh and sweet elements elegantly.
- → How long does it take to prepare the board?
About 20 minutes to wash, slice, and arrange ingredients for a quick yet impressive presentation.