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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 feel special?

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's offers a great chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb 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 ham and turkey in an sealed tub and freeze. 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. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix 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 freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.