🔗 Share this article

What types of canapes 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 key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want 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 blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.