🔗 Share this article

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

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a perfect opportunity to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings 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 citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.