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

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's offers a perfect chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, fold 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. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix 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 Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.