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What types of bite-sized appetizers can I whip up for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still seem festive?

Finger food needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, croissants make excellent 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. Place some holiday meats in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.