Pour boiling water over dates; cool. Beat eggs until light; add brown sugar and beat until thick. Stir in dates. Combine dry ingredients and add to egg mixture. Beat until just moistened and blended. Add cereal and nuts. Pour into a well greased 1 pound coffee can; cover top with 4 layers of folded paper towels. Put a trivet or canning jar lid in the bottom of crockery pot and place bread can on it. Place crock pot lid on loosely, resting against two toothpicks, etc., to allow steam to escape. Cook on high (300ºF.) for 3 hours or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.