Steamed Date Pudding

1 cup fresh dates, cut up
1/2 cup butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup ground raw carrots
1 cup ground raw potatoes
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts

Mix together and put into a greased 2-quart mold. Cover with a closely-fitted lid. Put in boiling water halfway up the sides of the mold. Steam for 3 hours. Remove and let stand 5 or 10 minutes. Invert onto a serving plate.

Serve with warm lemon sauce.