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What types of canapes can I whip up for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still feel special?

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 keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, croissants make superb coatings, 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 sealed tub 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 reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned 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 fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.