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

Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's presents a great chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue 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 honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present 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 remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add 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 whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.