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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 fancy, so New Year's presents a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll 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 mushrooms for the filling. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and add flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.