🔗 Share this article

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

Finger food needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect opportunity to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, layer it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, croissants make excellent coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

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. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with lime juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with 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 few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.