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What kinds of canapes can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still impress guests?

Finger food doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's offers a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy 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 turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.