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

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, 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 favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of cranberry 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. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and add flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.