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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 needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a great chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, layer it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, 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 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 airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares 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 perfect for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.