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What types of canapes can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still impress guests?

Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's presents a great chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, layer it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces 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. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.