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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?

Finger food needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, 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 ham and turkey in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of blinis, 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 a late breakfast the next day.