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

Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on blinis and top 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, combine with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries 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 cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice 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. 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 fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in little gem leaves.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.