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What kinds of canapes can I whip up 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 main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed 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 toss with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.