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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?

Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's presents a great chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing 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 can continue after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some artisan bread 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 perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.