🔗 Share this article

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

Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a great chance to use up what's left. 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 big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz 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 citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, croissants make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved 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 cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, 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 bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.