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

Finger food doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's presents a perfect chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, croissants make superb crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop 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 fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp 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 leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and add flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.