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What kinds of canapes can I whip up for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still impress guests?

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People just want a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat 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 store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.