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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 needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and top 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, combine with dill, citrus, and caramelized onions, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

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

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then season and add a binding agent. Cut out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.