Holiday Bite-Sized Treats: Ways to Transform Christmas Remains into NYE Canapes

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 fancy, so New Year's presents a perfect chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, croissants make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop 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 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 slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and add flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time 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.