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What types of canapes can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still feel special?

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a great opportunity to use up what's left. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get 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 fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and assemble sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into small squares for a winner.

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. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then season and add flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.