Date Pudding (Grandma Baadsgaard)

1 ½ cup water
1 ½ cup brown sugar
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
¼ cup melted butter
2 tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
¾ cup chopped dates
¾ cup black walnuts

In saucepan combine water and brown sugar; boil. Put in 9×13 inch pan. Mix remaining ingredients and pour into sugar mixture, but do not stir. Bake 45 minutes at 350º. Serve with sauce.