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What kinds of bite-sized appetizers 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 opportunity to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and thyme, 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 doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Revamping 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 add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.