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What types of bite-sized appetizers can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still impress guests?

Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a great chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. 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 taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, 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 flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.