Festive Finger Food: How to Utilize Christmas Leftovers into New Year’s Eve Canapes
What types of canapes can I whip up for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still impress guests?
Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a great chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People just want a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.
Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in panko and deep-fry.
You could also have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, 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 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, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then place 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 assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry 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 turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.
Revamping Leftover Vegetables
Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.