Dates Stuffed with Mascarpone and Walnuts

Here is the recipe for dates stuffed with mascarpone and walnuts, a sweet and appetizing finger food that might be just right for you as a tasty appetizer or an alternative dessert.

Ingredients

• 12 dates
• 100 g of mascarpone
• 30 g of chopped walnuts
• Honey (optional)
• Cocoa powder or chocolate flakes for decoration (optional)

Preparation

1. Open the dates with a longitudinal cut and gently remove the pit. Be careful not to completely cut them in half, but leave them attached on one side to easily fill them later.
2. In a bowl, mix the mascarpone with the chopped walnuts, stirring well until you get a smooth cream. If you want to add a touch of sweetness, you can incorporate some honey.
3. With the help of a teaspoon or a piping bag, stuff the dates with the mascarpone and walnut cream.
4. As a final touch, you can dust the stuffed dates with a pinch of cocoa powder or decorate them with chocolate flakes for a contrast of flavors and textures.
5. Arrange the dates on a serving plate and serve them at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Trivia

Dates are widely used in Middle Eastern and North African cuisine, especially during the period of Ramadan. In Italy, pairing them with mascarpone adds a touch of creaminess that goes well with the sweet taste and soft texture of the dates. Walnuts, with their slightly bitter taste, balance the filling, making it surprisingly harmonious.