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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 feel special?

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a great chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. People are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants 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, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.