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What types of canapes can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still feel special?

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests just want a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. 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 spicy, crisp 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 mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.