🔗 Share this article

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

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's offers a perfect chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People just want 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 crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with dill, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop 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, thaw the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy 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 toss with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in little gem leaves.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then keep in the icebox. Reheat 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 a late breakfast the next day.