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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 feel special?

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries 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. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini 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 turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.