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 board has become a favorite way for me to celebrate New Year with family and friends, enjoying the tradition of 12 grapes with a delicious and visually appealing spread.
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 This dessert board creates special moments where everyone gathers around sharing stories and enjoying the tradition of 12 grapes for good luck.
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
Pin It This vibrant dessert board not only delights the taste buds but also honors meaningful traditions in a festive way.
Questions About This Recipe
- → How should the grapes be prepared for the board?
Wash and dry the grapes thoroughly, then arrange them in small clusters of twelve to represent each month of the year.
- → What types of cheeses complement the grapes?
Brie, manchego, and blue cheese provide a balanced mix of creamy, nutty, and tangy flavors to accompany the grapes.
- → Can the board be made vegan-friendly?
Yes, substitute plant-based cheeses and chocolates to create a vegan variation while maintaining a colorful and delicious spread.
- → Which accompaniments enhance the flavors on the board?
Sweet treats like dark chocolate, almond cookies, candied nuts, as well as fresh berries and orange slices, add texture and sweetness.
- → What are good serving suggestions for this board?
Serve immediately on a large platter with baguette slices and assorted crackers, garnished with fresh mint and edible flowers for presentation.
- → Are there any allergen considerations to keep in mind?
The board contains dairy, nuts, gluten, and possibly soy. Check individual ingredient labels carefully for guests with sensitivities.