Bel's Bites: Crowd Work

Whenever I have a big group coming over in the summer, my recipe for Grilled Chicken Satays with Peanut Sauce is always my go-to – and one I hope you'll try! It's a true crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids, and I've made it time and time again for family gatherings. The best part? Almost everything can be prepped ahead of time, so when guests arrive, all that's left to do is pop it on the grill. Easy, breezy – just how we like it!

I'm a big believer in having everything ready to go so you can be a present host, enjoying your friends and family instead of juggling a recipe and missing the conversation. Someone once told me, "If the host is calm and enjoying themselves, the guests will be too," and it's so true! If you're feeling razzled or preoccupied, guests tend to jump in to help rather than settle in and enjoy. I've been on both sides of that scenario, and as I've gotten older, I've really leaned into being a calm, organized host so I can soak up every minute with the people I love. Remember: "present over perfect" is always the motto!

I learned a lot about hosting from my mom, who is still the ultimate "hostess with the mostest" at nearly 87! She was happy in the kitchen, knowing that everyone was having a great time with her amazing spread – and they absolutely were. Me? I tend to be right in the middle of the party, hoping all my pre-planning pays off – and with this recipe, it always does. It's a sure winner!

These chicken satays are super simple and pack tons of flavor. And let's be honest, what's more fun than food on a stick? (Plus, fewer utensils means less cleanup – not as many dishes to wash!) The sweet-and-savory combo is irresistible, and if you've got guests who like a little heat, you can add a splash of hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick. I also love how versatile this recipe is. You can serve the satays with lettuce wraps or naan, letting everyone build their own meal. Personally, I'm all about that peanut sauce. I could practically drink it, it's that good! Served alongside a simple slaw or an Asian-style salad, it's a fresh, flavorful spread perfect for any crowd, rain or shine.