Sister Lemon's Inexpensive Christmas Pudding

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups hot water
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup walnuts (optional)