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

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a great opportunity to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon 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, fold it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz 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 bite-sized chicken. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday 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, set aside some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place 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 mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned 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 crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed 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 add a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.