🔗 Share this article

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

Finger food needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a perfect opportunity to use up what's left. The main guideline 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 cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, 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, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy 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 ideal for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.