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

Finger food doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. People just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon 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 fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce 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. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in little gem leaves.

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 herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Stamp out portions to roughly 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 sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.