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

Finger food doesn't have to 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—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll mixtures are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

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. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.