🔗 Share this article Festive Finger Food: Ways to Use Christmas Remains into New Year’s Eve Canapes What kinds of bite-sized appetizers can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still impress guests? Finger food doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's offers a great chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a luxurious touch. Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and deep-fry. You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures 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 thyme, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb coatings, too. One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner. Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. 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 fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves. 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. Cut out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.