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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 feel special?

Finger food doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's presents a perfect chance 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 big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, combine with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, croissants make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing 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 sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and add a binding agent. Cut out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.