Luxurious Poached Dates with Caramel Crème Fraîche | culture: the word on cheese

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups water (divided)
• 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt (plus more for serving)
• 1/2 cup crème fraîche (at room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cubed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 Earl Grey tea bags (or 2 teaspoons loose Earl Grey tea)
• 12 Medjool dates (halved lengthwise and pitted)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 6 gingersnap cookies (crushed)