1. If there are pits in your dates, start by removing them. They can be a very unfortunate surprise, if not removed before eating.
2. Bring the coffee, water and sugar to a boil. Split open the vanilla pod and scrape out the seeds. Add the vanilla (both pod and seeds) to the coffee along with the cardamom pods. When the sugar has dissolved, add the dates. Boil the dates for about 15 minutes until the coffee has cooked down to a thick syrup.
Store the boiled dates in the refrigerator until serving. They go particularly well with Castello Creamy Goat.