This is not a recipe as such, rather a list of suggestions of party treats that can be made if you have mashed potatoes and any other mashed vegetables — celeriac or swede — that need using up. Mashed vegetables can be packed in a plastic bag and frozen until needed.

Essentially these little canapés — which are best served straight from the fat fryer or frying pan — are created from seasoned mashed potatoes, mixed with a little beaten egg (but not so much that they become too soft), then rolled into small balls.

Now roll them in beaten egg yolk, followed by jumbo oats. This is rather a messy job, but well worth the effort, as you will discover when they emerge from the frying pan.

The other great thing about these canapés is that they are very inexpensive to produce if you are using leftovers and can be prepared ready to fry in hot fat just before serving.

To add flavour: Insert a small knob of cheese, chicken, ham, crispy bacon or even a hard-boiled quail’s egg in the centre, before rolling into a ball.

Try adding chopped herbs, a little tomato paste, curry powder and/or finely chopped garlic to the potato.

Blend the mashed vegetables together for extra flavour.

Serve with a spicy tomato dip.

Serve with a chilled glass of champagne. I am enjoying mine with a glass of the Gosset Grand Reserve Brut that I received as an early Christmas gift and the combination is mouth-watering and very festive.