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

Finger food doesn't have to be elaborate, 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—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests just want a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent coatings, 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 airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

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

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. 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 whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.