Festive Bite-Sized Treats: How to Utilize Christmas Remains into New Year’s Eve Canapes

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

Finger food doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. People just want a big hug of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.