Festive Finger Food: How to Use Christmas Remains into New Year’s Eve Canapes

What kinds of bite-sized appetizers can I whip up for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still feel special?

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

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. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, just add a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey 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. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and add flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.