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What types 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 elaborate, so New Year's offers a perfect opportunity to use up what's left. The main guideline 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 decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, just add a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub 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 preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect 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 dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in little gem leaves.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and add flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.