🔗 Share this article

What kinds of canapes can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still feel special?

Finger food needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a perfect chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People just want a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries 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 ham and turkey in an airtight container 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 preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.