Festive Bite-Sized Treats: How to Transform Christmas Remains into NYE Canapes

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

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. People are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures 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 thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building 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. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.