🔗 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?

Finger food needn't be elaborate, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.