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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?

Finger food needn't be elaborate, so New Year's offers 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. Guests just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, layer it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. 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 cook until crisp. Sausage roll mixtures are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon 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 holiday meats in an airtight container and freeze. 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 reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange 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 ideal for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and add flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.