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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 elaborate, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, croissants make superb coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.