🔗 Share this article

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

Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's presents a great chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and sweet 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 sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. 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. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then season and add a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.