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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 needn't be elaborate, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests 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. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make superb 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 airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares 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 perfect for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Refresh in a hot oven for a few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.