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What types of bite-sized appetizers 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 offers a perfect chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a big hug of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, layer it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat 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 airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with fresh 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 fried potato cake. 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 freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.