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What types of canapes can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still seem festive?

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents 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 comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on blinis 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 mashed potato, combine with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry 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. Incidentally, croissants make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, 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 full of flavour. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Remaining Veg

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 add salt and pepper and incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.