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What kinds of canapes can I whip up 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 presents a great chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate 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 top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.