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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 seem festive?

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a great 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 just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. 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, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday 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 berry relish 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 arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.