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

Finger food needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things 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 cured fish left, layer it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, citrus, and caramelized onions, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll mixtures are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, croissants make superb crumbs, 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, reserve some berry relish 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 slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.