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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?

Finger food needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a perfect opportunity to use up what's left. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. For flavour, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb coatings, 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 ham and turkey in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then keep in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.