Festive Bite-Sized Treats: How to Utilize Christmas Remains into New Year’s Eve Appetizers

What types of canapes can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still feel special?

Finger food doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's presents a perfect chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People just want a big hug of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, just add a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.