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

Party snacks doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's presents 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 manoeuvre a fork. People just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, 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. Get some ham and turkey in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place 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 artisan bread and assemble sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces 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. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.