🔗 Share this article

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

Party snacks doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. People are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building mini 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 ideal for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and add flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.