1 12 oz. dates, ground or cut fine
1 1/2 c. boiling water
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 c. brown sugar packed
2 sm. eggs
7 1/2 tbsp. butter
2 1/4 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder in flour
3/4 c. walnuts, chopped
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Add boiling water and soda to the dates. Let stand until other ingredients are ready.

Mix other ingredients and add date mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

TOPPING:

1 tbsp. cornstarch or 2 tbsp. flour
1 stick butter
1 c. boiling water
1/2 c. white sugar

Boil all this until clear. Pour on top of pudding cake.