Remove from the heat and place on a cheesecloth, then tie the cheesecloth into a sachet. Lower the heat to medium, add the apples and dates to the pot, and sweat until the apples start to caramelize. Add ¼ cup water and the sugar, salt, cinnamon, and spice sachet and cook, stirring often, until the liquid has completely reduced and the mixture is dark and caramelized.