Holiday Bite-Sized Treats: Ways to Use Christmas Remains into NYE Appetizers

What kinds of canapes can I whip up for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still impress guests?

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, combine with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.