Savory Mini Cheese Balls + Buffalo Chicken Mac Last Minute #CookingUpHolidays Solutions

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Momma Told Me: I don't need an elf, I just need my secret ingredient.

I don't know about you but as we enter the final countdown to the holidays I find myself more and more overwhelmed with all of the last minute plans and invites. Most of my own holiday entertaining obligations have passed, but I still need to put dinner on the table every night, and bring a gift or treat to give the hostess when going out. Momma always had a recipe book of simple recipes, no more than 5 or 6 ingredients, she could whip up when schedules got hectic. She even had a few pantry staples, such as KRAFT Mac N' Cheese dinners she kept stocked for such occasions.

There's a lot of pressure, perhaps mostly pressure I put on myself, to prepare a unique and 'wow' worthy meal or appetizer when guests or family are involved. But it's simply impossible to juggle it all- so I take short cuts with quality ingredients and trusted name brand staples. Products like deliciously creamy and smooth KRAFT Philadelphia cream cheese have saved my hiney on more than one last minute occasion.

I've also learned a few kitchen hacks from my own mother, and close friends- shortcuts and hacks not only save time, but also make cleanup a breeze. Just take one of my favorite tips, straight from a professional chef- Sprinkle a little coarse salt on your chopping block before dicing herbs to hold everything in place and prevent things from flying. Coarse salt and a lemon also make for a great disinfectant and stain remover on most wooden cutting blocks when used as a scrub.

Believe it or not, until recently, I'd never made a cheese ball before- One of the season's most popular entertaining dishes and staples. The idea of having a cantaloupe sized ball of cheese seemed a bit daunting, and the presentation was always so classy, I was a bit intimidated. Then I discovered the KRAFT recipe hub on Walmart.com, and the simply delicious Savory Mini Cheese Balls recipe.

In about 20 minutes you can whip up several varieties of sweet and savory mini cheese balls perfect for entertaining with KRAFT Philadelphia cream cheese and chopped PLANTERS pecans. Start by chopping your fresh herbs and spices using the kitchen hack mentioned above, then combine your flavors in 3 different coatings, Cranberry Pecan, Sesame Poppy Seed and Garlic, and Rosemary Thyme Parsley.

Portion your KRAFT Philadelphia cream cheese in even cubes, or use a scoop if using Philadelphia spread, and manipulate each portion into a ball. Roll each ball in one of the topping mixtures. Don't worry if your initial cheese ball isn't perfectly round, it will naturally even in shape once the outer layer is applied.

I like to make these Savory Mini Cheese balls about 2" in diameter- or around the size of a golf ball- though you can easily get fancy and make them smaller to serve your guest mini cheese ball samplers!

These Savory Mini Cheese balls are the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and savory- perfect for using as a spread on a variety of fruits, vegetables, and crackers. Best of all you can pull a few out at a time to serve your guests so the reserve stays nice and fresh in the fridge, a luxury larger cheese balls can't accommodate. And, the increased surface area, per portion really help maximize flavor on each bite!

Of course simple meal solutions are just as important this week- with holiday schedules and last minute wrapping taking up so much time one might be tempted to order food in. The KRAFT recipe hub also has you covered there with the classic flavor of KRAFT Macaroni and Cheese Deluxe Dinner in this delicious Buffalo Chicken Mac recipe. You only need 5 ingredients; KRAFT Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese Dinner, Buffalo Wing Sauce, KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Chopped Green Onions, and Cooked Shredded Chicken.

Begin by preparing your KRAFT Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese Dinner as instructed on the package. This only requires a pot and boiling water, as the creamy cheese flavor is includes in an easy squeeze packet inside.

Next, toss your shredded chicken in the buffalo wing sauce. Heat level is entirely up to you, though I usually go with Mild, and increase the quantity of sauce the recipe calls for, if I desire a more intense flavor. Fold the chicken mixture into the prepared mac and place in a greased casserole dish. Top generously with your favorite KRAFT Shredded Cheese.

After baking in the oven for just 8 minutes, to melt the top layer of cheese and warm the dish, you'll have a delicious crave-worthy dinner for the family. Serve alongside a hearty fresh salad topped with your favorite KRAFT salad dressing and you will have prepared dinner in no time! Be careful not to over bake the casserole- While you may be tempted to go for those golden/browned peaks, the cheese will dry out if left in for too long. (My tip to you.)

This Buffalo Chicken Mac recipe would also be great to serve at any game day gathering with some scoop-able tortilla chips or homemade sourdough bread. While we're not big on blue cheese, some crumbles could be added for an even richer flavor!

No matter how far you are into your holiday schedule and planning you're sure to need a little last minute recipe in the kitchen at some point. Be sure to visit the KRAFT Walmart recipe hub for some amazing original recipes featuring your favorite KRAFT products. I know I'll be making a few more this week. It's hard to say no to simple, time saving, recipes with great flavor! IF you visit now, you can even print up to $13 in KRAFT coupons! Now, tell me, what's one of your go to, simple, last minute seasonal recipes?

What Daughter Says: Discover simple recipes with your favorite KRAFT brand products to help make the season more flavorful.

Kraft Savory Mini Cheese Balls Recipe

Grab the Kraft Buffalo Chicken Mac Recipe here.