🔗 Share this article

What kinds of bite-sized appetizers 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 fancy, so New Year's offers 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 luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and freeze. 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 hot oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy 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 leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, 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 season and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.