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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 impress guests?

Finger food needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. People just want a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, too.

One beloved treat 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 freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, 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 punchy. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in little gem leaves.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.