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What kinds of canapes can I whip up for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still impress guests?

Finger food doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's offers a perfect chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, just add a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned 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 thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.