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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 needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things 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, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. 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 citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, 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 holiday meats in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Cut out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.