Hospitality.
I will never forget stepping into my room at Hotel La Mamounia in Marrakech back in 1991. I wasn’t used to being in hotels at all, much less one of the finest in the world. The staff was incredibly warm, and took us on an historical tour of the hotel. We saw the suites in which Franklin Rosevelt, Charles de Gaulle, and Winston Churchill stayed. Once in my room, I found a welcome fruit basket to behold; it was overflowing with clementines, dates, and nuts — and probably other things that I cannot remember. I found hospitality like this throughout Morocco.
Fast forward to May of 2023 when I returned to Morocco after 32 years. So much has changed in the world, but the warm hospitality I encountered in 1991 hadn’t changed at all. Upon arrival at each riad, we were greeted with mint tea and nibbles while our passports were recorded. In the stunningly beautiful Riad Myra (Fès), a tiered plate of cookies, sweets, and dates awaited us in our room, reminding me of my earlier visit to the country. We will be returning to Riad Myra next May.
The dates they served were stuffed with sweet almonds, and that gave me an idea for stuffed dates. A little marzipan does the trick to make these irresistible bites, which are perfect with afternoon mint tea, for dessert after a meal, or as a midnight snack.
~ David
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FEL!X
September 14, 2024 at 4:31 amNice memories of the «Mamounia» for me as well! Thank you to remember me!
Cocoa & Lavender
September 14, 2024 at 5:59 amIsn’t the hospitality just wonderful there (and in all of Morocco), Felix? I’m glad to have brought back nice memories for you.
Mad Dog
September 14, 2024 at 5:50 amThey look stunning and I bet they taste delicious too!
Cocoa & Lavender
September 14, 2024 at 6:00 amThanks. Yes, they are delicious, Mad Dog, but they are also addictive. Stopping after one or two is near impossible.
Barb
September 14, 2024 at 6:57 amWhat a marvelous way to serve dates, they sound delicious and look very tempting!
David Scott Allen
September 14, 2024 at 7:36 amThank you, Barb! One thing I really like is that one of them is so satisfying… I can stop then and not overdo!
angiesrecipes
September 14, 2024 at 10:45 amLove that you even made marzipan from the scratch and the crisscross pattern is nice too. They look fabulous.
Cocoa & Lavender
September 23, 2024 at 10:55 amI like the homemade marzipan because it isn’t as sweet — and the addition of orange blossom water and cinnamon make it very special.
Gerlinde de Broekert
September 14, 2024 at 12:06 pmI definitely have to try this recipe. I loved Marrakech.
Cocoa & Lavender
September 23, 2024 at 10:56 amMe, too, Gerlinde — and I can’t wait to go back next spring.
Jeff the Chef
September 14, 2024 at 1:41 pmIt sounds like you’ve had some stunning visits to Marrakech! I love dates, and have never had them this way. Thanks for the recipe!
Cocoa & Lavender
September 23, 2024 at 10:57 amMarrakech is magical, Jeff — as is most of Morocco. And these stuffed dates are off the charts good.
sherry
September 15, 2024 at 1:18 amI love the sound of this paste David. Not a massive fan of dates so I’ll have to think of another dried fruit or similar :=) Dates bring back some childhood memories and not in a fabulous way …
cheers
sherry
Cocoa & Lavender
September 23, 2024 at 10:58 amSorry to bring up some horrors. I only have one childhood food-related horror, which I try never to mention!
Ronit Penso
September 15, 2024 at 10:10 amDates and marzipan are so perfect together! I’m very familiar with this type of sweets, as they are very popular in Israel, where there is a large community of Moroccan Jews, who brought with them this fabulous cuisine, and the kind of hospitality you’ve experienced. I really like your quicker version of marzipan, as mine is quite time consuming, so I don’t always have it at hand. Will definitely make it soon! 🙂
Cocoa & Lavender
September 23, 2024 at 10:59 amI knew there was a huge exodus of Jews from Morocco to Israel, so it makes sense they brought their traditions with them. This is a simple marzipan — and it freezes well!
Pauline McNee
September 15, 2024 at 4:49 pmThese look perfect David, and I just know the marzipan would taste delicious. I admire how meticulous you have been with scoring the marzipan on each date. Marrakech sounds so exotic and inviting. I always enjoy hearing about it from you.
Cocoa & Lavender
September 23, 2024 at 11:00 amI do love the city, Pauline — and the whole of the country. The people are incredible.
As for the scoring? It’s so simple and takes but seconds!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen
September 16, 2024 at 1:17 pmOoo, this sounds and looks amazing! I’m a huge fan of both dates and marzipan, but I’ve never paired them together. This must be super sweet yet utterly delicious and tempting!
Cocoa & Lavender
September 23, 2024 at 11:01 amIt is pretty sweet, Ben, but I like sweets a lot! 😉 I think you will love them, too.
Inger
September 18, 2024 at 3:14 pmLovely, though I’m not a marzipan fan–my mother would have been over the moon. Hmm what else could I stuff a date with…
Cocoa & Lavender
September 23, 2024 at 11:02 amThis marzipan is quite different from most — you might actually it!
Mimi Rippee
September 21, 2024 at 12:19 pmThese look wonderful! Great photos, too.
David Scott Allen
September 21, 2024 at 12:39 pmThanks, Mimi!
Frank | Memorie di Angelina
September 22, 2024 at 7:14 amSo cool you’ve stayed at the Hotel La Mamounia. In addition to its storied history you probably know it was featured in The Man Who Knew Too Much. Such a great film, one of my favorite Hitchcocks.
And since I love marzipan and like dates these little morsels would be welcome at our house any time. 🙂
Cocoa & Lavender
September 22, 2024 at 7:31 amFrank — La Mamounia, when I was there, was probably three décor iterations after the filming of The Man Who Knew Too Much. But it didn’t matter to me, as I also love that movie so much. That and Rear Window are at the top of my list, the latter because Grace Kelly was just gorgeous… and her couture!
I know you will love these dates, as the marzipan is not nearly as sweet as commercial brands. I hope you try them.
Raymund
September 24, 2024 at 3:21 pmStuffed dates sound like a fantastic idea, and I can just imagine how the marzipan adds a lovely sweetness! Can’t wait to hear more about your next visit to Riad Myra and any delicious treats you discover there!
Cocoa & Lavender
September 30, 2024 at 8:50 amWe can’t wait to go, Raymund! Both dates and marzipan are sweet —but the combination is quite heavenly!
Velva
September 28, 2024 at 9:57 amDavid, I can imagine the hospitality you experienced in Morocco. These experiences are unforgettable and we often reminded these gestures go a long way.
I love dates and I love marzipan ( smile). Win-Win!
Cocoa & Lavender
September 30, 2024 at 8:51 amThe combination is really amazing, Velva. They actually tickle your mouth!