Festive Bite-Sized Treats: Ways to Use Christmas Remains into New Year’s Eve Canapes

What types of bite-sized appetizers can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still seem festive?

Party snacks doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's offers a perfect chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. Guests are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.