🔗 Share this article Holiday Finger Food: Ways to Utilize Christmas Remains into NYE Appetizers What kinds of bite-sized appetizers can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still seem festive? Party snacks doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's offers a perfect opportunity 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 hearty fare with a decadent twist. Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish 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 have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, croissants make excellent coatings, 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 airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit. Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves. Revamping Leftover Vegetables Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.