Festive Finger Food: How to Transform Christmas Remains into New Year’s Eve Appetizers

What kinds of canapes can I whip up for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still seem festive?

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People just want a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb crumbs, 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 holiday meats in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into small squares for a winner.

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

Transforming 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 incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a few minutes and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.