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What kinds of bite-sized appetizers 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 chance 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 big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings 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 lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange 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 zingy salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and add flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top 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.