Holiday Finger Food: Ways to Transform Christmas Remains into New Year’s Eve Canapes
What types of bite-sized appetizers can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still impress guests?
Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests just want a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.
Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, layer it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and fry until golden.
You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.
One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a winner.
Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.
Revamping Leftover Vegetables
Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.
