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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?

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a perfect chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle 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 mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

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. Blitz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll 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 thyme, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, 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 berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut 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 perfect for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, 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 bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.