I go through these phases when I'm completely enthralled with all things Martha. Maybe it's because I took her up on a magazine deal where I get all of her mags on the cheap. Oh Martha, you're so clever, cause now here I am blogging about you and singing your praises. Oh yes indeed! You are so, so clever with the marketing, dear Martha!

The fact of the matter is this: Martha's recipes are almost always perfect. I mean PERFECT! Every time I cook something using her recipe, the compliments on my cooking skills reach levels of embarrassment. They're THAT good.

Here are some of my favorite ideas for edible favors:

1. Candied Orange Peels

What a bright and vibrant treat for a winter wedding. Historically oranges were a rare treat in the mountains and reserved for special occasions such as Christmas.

Image from Martha Stewart; Complete Recipe for Candied Orange Peels

 

2 Raspberry Scones

I love scones for breakfast. Package handmade scones in lovely paper or waxed bags with your guests names or your monogram and they can enjoy a quick and hearty treat for breakfast the following day.

Image from Martha Stewart; Complete Recipe for Raspberry Scones

 

3 Raspberry Lemon Whoopie Pies

Who doesn't love the sweetness and whimsy of whoopie pies. These delicate pink pies are made with my favorite flavor combination: lemon and raspberry.

Image from Martha Stewart; Complete Recipe for Raspberry Lemon Whoopie Pies

4. Dried Fruit

I think fruit dried from a bountiful, local harvest dried fruit is one of the best pleasures throughout the long, cold winter months. Blueberries and apples can both be gathered locally in eastern Mountains and dried for a Fall or Winter wedding. My family likes to spray our apples with lemon juice before drying to preserve the color and give the apples a tasty zip.

 
Image from Martha Stewart; Complete Recipe for Dried Blueberries

 

5. Chocolate Zucchini Mini Muffins

Are they dessert or breakfast. Let you guests decide. These decadent and moist mini muffins can be enjoyed as a pick-me-up after dancing, or as a quick snack with coffee before breakfast. The zucchini keeps them moist and adds nutrition.

Image from Martha Stewart; Complete Recipe for Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

 

6. Hearty Trail Mix

I love the idea of offering trail mix for woodland and camp weddings. If your guests will be hiking, canoeing, or otherwise being active during your reception or wedding weekend, trail mix is a thoughtful and practical favor.

Image from Martha Stewart; Complete Recipe for Hearty Trail Mix

 

7. Biscotti

Another treat that can be enjoyed with dessert and coffee or coffee and breakfast.

Image from Martha Stewart; Complete Recipe for Biscotti

8. Sweet Potato Fries

These may be more appropriate as a post dancing snack or as guests are heading home. Have your caterer serve in coated paper cones sprinkled with sea salt.

 

Image from Martha Stewart; Complete Recipe for Sweet Potato Fries

9. Fruit Compote

These are best served at small weddings. You can make them up to two weeks ahead of time. I like to eat compote with yogurt.

 
Image from Martha Stewart; Complete Recipe for Fruit Compote

10. Quick and Easy Pickles

I love the idea of serving these off-beat favors at a picnic wedding. Again, this favor is best for smaller weddings. For best results, made pickles at several months ahead of time.

Image from Martha Stewart; Complete Recipe for Quick Pickles

 

Tips and Hindsight Advice

• Let the size of your guest list will determine what type of edible favors to offer. For large weddings, go with items that are easy to produce in bulk. For smaller weddings (under 50 people), you can attempt more elaborate favors, such as Fruit Compote, Raspberry-Lemon Whoopie Pies, and pickles are time-consuming, complicated, and best done in smaller batches.
• Don't underestimate the time it takes to wrap 200 mini muffins or measure and bag 150 portions of dried fruit. Line up help when it comes time to packaging the favors.
• Favors can be placed at each table setting or at their own table. If your guests are to take small favors such as muffins and biscotti home, place one at each setting. Bulk items such as trail mix can have their own table with pretty bags or cones that guests can fill up themselves and take home.
• Include a recipe so your guests can recreate their treat again at home.