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What types of bite-sized appetizers can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still impress guests?

Finger food doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a great chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to stick to items 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, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped 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 fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.