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What types of canapes can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still seem festive?

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a perfect opportunity to use up what's left. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests just want a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an airtight container 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 preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Veg, 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 season and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.