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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?

Finger food needn't be elaborate, so New Year's offers a perfect 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. Guests are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz old bread into crumbs 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 taste 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 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, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop 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 start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into small squares for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in little gem leaves.

Transforming 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 herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.