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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?

Finger food doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent 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 airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.