Holiday Finger Food: Ways to Transform Christmas Remains into New Year’s Eve Appetizers

What types of bite-sized appetizers can I whip up for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still feel special?

Party snacks doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a big hug of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with dill, 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, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, 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 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 honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp 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 lime juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.