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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 impress guests?

Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's presents a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests just want a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, 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 airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

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. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then add salt and pepper 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 top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.