Festive Bite-Sized Treats: How to Utilize Christmas Remains into New Year’s Eve Appetizers

What types of bite-sized appetizers can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still seem festive?

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a great chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, croissants make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats 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 pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building 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 dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Refresh 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.