What kinds of bite-sized appetizers can I whip up for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still impress guests?
Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's presents a perfect chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.
If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, combine with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and deep-fry.
You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too.
One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday 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, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.
Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.
Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. 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 brunch the next day.
