🔗 Share this article

What types of bite-sized appetizers can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still seem festive?

Finger food needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a great chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, croissants make excellent coatings, too.

One beloved treat 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 freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.