Festive Bite-Sized Treats: Ways to Utilize Christmas Remains into NYE Canapes

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

Party snacks doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's offers a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. Guests are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers 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, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange 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 spicy, crisp salad. There’s always 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 spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.