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What kinds of bite-sized appetizers can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still impress guests?

Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, layer it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce 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. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.