Festive Finger Food: How to Transform Christmas Remains into New Year’s Eve Appetizers

What types of canapes can I whip up for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still seem festive?

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a great opportunity to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent coatings, too.

One beloved treat 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, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed 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 flour. 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 your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.