🔗 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?

Finger food doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. People are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants 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 freeze. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.