Don't know what to do with your Christmas leftovers?

With a little creativity and imagination your Christmas dinner leftovers can create a luxurious festive Boxing Day feast.

12:59 12 December 2011

After eating more than you can fit at Christmas dinner the last thing on your mind is the next meal. However, by the time Boxing Day rolls around excitement for the next party and buffet kicks in. But with traditional buffets consisting of sausage rolls and turkey sandwiches, it can all gets a bit boring and so here are some ideas for the perfect Boxing Day buffet.

If there is some turkey left over, disguise it in mini turkey and cranberry pies. Served hot, these pies will go down a treat with your friends and family and are a very festive centrepiece. A winter salad will accompany these brilliantly and will be a healthy alternative from all the Quality Street and Christmas pudding undoubtedly consumed over the last day.

An effortless and tasty treat for the buffet table are halloumi and bacon rolls. Picture the pigs in blankets from the day before, but with the pig substituted for halloumi cheese. Once baked, these make a delicious and expensive-looking cheesy treat and are bound to be a winner with guests.

Alternative Christmas
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It may be an obvious choice when it comes to Boxing Day dining, but using your left over vegetables and meat from the previous day can create a beautiful bubble and squeak cake. In bite sized pieces this dish is a great winter comfort food and your guests will be none the wiser that they are effectively eating your left over dinner.

If you enjoyed turkey and gammon on Christmas day but still have some left over, make your guests a ham and turkey pasta bake; a festive alternative to the cold pasta salads often seen at buffets. Or create a homemade turkey and ham pizza with more of your favourite toppings.

If you managed to finish off dessert, an easy favourite to end your buffet are mince pies or why not try a chestnut and chocolate truffle torte. Pavlova is a definite winner too and you can turn it into a festive delight by adding cinnamon, gingerbread or almond flavourings to the meringue and filling with winter berries.

With a little creativity and imagination your Christmas dinner leftovers can create a luxurious festive Boxing Day feast which wonÂ’t leave guests disappointed but in awe instead at your culinary skills.

All recipes can be found at bbcgoodfood.com.