Slice an “X” into the top of each date until you hit the pit, going only about a third to a half down the length of the date on each side. Remove the pits and discard.

Break up the fudge into 24 tiny pieces, and roll them into little balls about the size of a pea. Your hands will get dirty, so be sure to wash them off before the next step.

Knead the marzipan dough and break it into about 24 chunks. Flatten each into a small circle, place a tiny ball of fudge inside, and mold the marzipan over the fudge and into an egg shape only a little larger than each date pit (cut down the marzipan if you need to).

Stuff the marzipan “egg” into each of the pitted dates. For eggs that have not yet opened, fold the edges of the “X” up around the “egg”; for others, curl the edges of the “X” down like the petals of a flower, so that it looks like the Xenomorph is emerging. Stand each of the dates upright on your work surface, molding them slightly to help that stand.

Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Melt the cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips over medium low heat in a double boiler (or a heat safe bowl carefully balanced over a saucepan). Stir constantly until the morsels are melted and the mixture is shiny and liquid.

Dip the bottoms of each stuffed date into the chocolate, so that it comes up half way. Set them down on the parchment to dry. Once all the stuffed dates are dipped and dried, feel free to dip them a second time for a thicker layer of chocolate, but this is not necessary if you don’t want to take the time.

Sprinkle the Xenomorph eggs with green sprinkles, cocoa poweder, and/or macha powder. Serve on a platter to unsuspecting guests.