🔗 Share this article Festive Finger Food: How to Transform Christmas Leftovers into New Year’s Eve Appetizers What kinds of bite-sized appetizers can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still feel special? Finger food doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's presents a great opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People just want a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist. Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in panko and deep-fry. You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too. One favourite thing 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 sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and start building 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 toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in small lettuce cups. Transforming Remaining Veg Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed 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 a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.