🔗 Share this article

What types of bite-sized appetizers can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still impress guests?

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a big hug of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, 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. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.