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

Finger food doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's presents a great opportunity to use up what's left. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a hot 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 sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. 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. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.