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What types of canapes can I prepare 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 opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, 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. Get some holiday meats in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.