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

Party snacks doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. People are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, 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 sing so much more. Incidentally, croissants make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then fry 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 chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.