Tori Avery Plum Glazed Green Beans

2 dates pitted
1/2 cup hot water
1 lb fresh green beans trimmed
8 oz white button mushrooms sliced
2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce (for gluten free use a certified gluten free tamari sauce)
1/8 teaspoon Chinese 5 spice blend
Pinch cayenne pepper or more to taste
2 tablespoons avocado oil (or oil with a high smoke point for frying)

NOTES

You will also need: Blender or food processor, skillet with lid