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

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests just want a big hug of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock 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 Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an airtight container and store in the freezer. 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 preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.