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What kinds of canapes can I whip up for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still feel special?

Finger food needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.