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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 impress guests?

Finger food doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's offers a perfect 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 are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs 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, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll mixtures are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. For flavour, 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 can continue after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

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 season and add a binding agent. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.