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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 feel special?

Finger food doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's presents a perfect chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and start building sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.