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

Party snacks doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's presents a perfect opportunity to use up what's left. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People just want a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, croissants make excellent 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 holiday meats in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred 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 spicy oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.

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 herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.