🔗 Share this article

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

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a great chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.