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

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a perfect chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests are looking for 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 affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing 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 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, thaw the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and add a binding agent. Cut out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.