Luncheon for 40 Peeps

OK, I know I said I would never cater another party in my lifetime, but this client begged me and said she would make it worth my while! Her words!
SO..... I have been cooking for about 8 hours, chopping, whisking, grilling, marinating, the works. Thank goodness my husband helps by washing all the pots and pans.

It is a surprise 75th birthday luncheon for 40 people, it's going to be 95 degrees outside today (glad I am not attending!), so I had to consider foods that would not spoil, so as not to give everyone salmonella poisoning. So, that means NO mayo.

I made Barefoot Contessa's Grilled Lemon Chicken Salad. Always a crowd pleaser. I marinated 8 lbs. of boneless chicken breasts in tons of fresh lemon juice, thyme and olive oil overnight, then grilled them all this a.m. I substituted the sugar snap peas for haricot verts, and tossed w/ pretty lemon slices & multi color peppers. It's very low fat and refreshing.
I also made an orzo salad (my friend's recipe from a Junior League cookbook from years back), w/ currants, peas, dill and peppers in a mustard vinaigrette, which is great at room temperature.
There will be a beef tenderloin on the grill for sandwiches, and a big spinach salad w/ bacon, red onion & hard boiled egg. The hostess will be making the hors d'oevres.

The best part of catering a party (besides the cash, of course) is the phone call the next day, saying how everyone loved the food!
Flattery will get you everywhere!