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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 impress guests?

Finger food needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great opportunity to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, combine with dill, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb coatings, 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 pop it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.