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

Party snacks doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll 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 remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, 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 store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.