Two things I learned about this recipe: One, I’ve gone 28 years without knowing my sister hates dates. And figs. Even if they’re stuffed with mascarpone, which I know for a fact she loves. Two, this is one of those recipes that definitely tastes much better than it looks. That said, the dates are tasty enough and easy enough that this would be great to try for a baby or wedding shower. The dates can be stuffed ahead of time and refrigerated, then dusted with the unsweetened cocoa right before serving. It’d look great to arrange each date on an antique or hotel-silver teaspoon — or as great as a lumpy, cocoa-dusted date is going to look, anyway. Fresh mint would be a nice garnish. Enjoy! — Sarah L. Visit Food & Wine for the stuffed dates recipe!