🔗 Share this article

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

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have 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 loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.