Cut dates into small pieces. Pour boiling water over dates. Add butter and brown sugar. Cool this mixture. Beat in eggs and nuts. Sift together dry ingredients and stir into date mixture. Do not beat. Pour into prepared 9x5-inch pan and bake in 350 degree oven for 60 minutes or until tester comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes then turn out of pan. Wrap in aluminum foil for better storage.