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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 doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's presents a perfect chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People just want a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need 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. Get some ham and turkey in an airtight container 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 short time. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of cranberry 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 dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Refresh in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.