Festive Bite-Sized Treats: Ways to Utilize Christmas Remains into NYE Appetizers

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

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests 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 top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants 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 airtight container 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 short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice 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 punchy. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then add salt and pepper and add 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 finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.