🔗 Share this article

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

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents 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. Guests just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing 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 sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy 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 thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.