Save 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 quickly became a staple at our New Years celebrations, bringing luck and joy to all who enjoy the 12 grapes tradition with a delicious twist.
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: to garnish
- Edible flowers: optional garnish
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 It This recipe always gathers our family around the board to share stories and laughter as we enjoy the 12 grapes tradition 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
Save It This dessert board elevates any celebration with its colorful arrangement and meaningful tradition.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What grapes are best for this board?
Seedless red, green, or mixed grapes work well for easy picking and vibrant color contrast.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses?
Yes, plant-based cheeses can be used for a vegan-friendly alternative without sacrificing flavor variety.
- → How should I arrange the grapes?
Arrange grapes in clusters of twelve to reflect the tradition and create visual interest across the board.
- → Any tips for assembling the board?
Layer cheeses evenly, fill gaps with berries and sweets, and place crackers and bread around the edges for balance.
- → What drinks pair well with this platter?
Sparking wine or non-alcoholic bubbly complement the sweet and savory elements beautifully.