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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 needn't be fancy, 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. People just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

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

You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

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

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your leftover veg 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 few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.