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

Finger food needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great chance to clear the decks. 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 comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, croissants make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

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. 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 spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in little gem leaves.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.