Festive Bite-Sized Treats: Ways to Transform Christmas Remains into NYE Appetizers

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?

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to use up what's left. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine 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 up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, 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 crumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, 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 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, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and add flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the icebox. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.