🔗 Share this article

What types of canapes can I whip up for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still impress guests?

Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect opportunity to use up what's left. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, combine with dill, citrus, 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 interior. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll mixtures are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats 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 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 start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate a binding agent. Cut out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.