Festive Finger Food: How to Utilize Christmas Remains into NYE Appetizers
What kinds 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 elaborate, so New Year's offers a great chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People just want a big hug of comfort food with a luxurious touch.
Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown 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, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and fry until golden.
You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent coatings, too.
One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.
Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.
Transforming Leftover Vegetables
Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and add flour. Cut out portions to roughly 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 grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.
