Mascarpone-Stuffed Dates

A dusting of unsweetened cocoa adds an appealing bitterness to this simple one-bite dessert.

Make a lengthwise slit in each date and remove the pits (without halving the dates). In a bowl, whisk the mascarpone with the sugar. Spoon the mascarpone into the dates, close them loosely and arrange on a plate, split side up. Sift the cocoa over the dates and serve.

Make Ahead The stuffed dates can be refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature before sprinkling with cocoa.