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

Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want 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 crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, combine with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and add flour. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.