During one of my pregnancies, my midwife told me about a "groaning cake" and handed me the recipe for it. I had never heard of it before and unfortunately never tried it, but it is a great idea with a long history.

There are many wives' tales and traditions surrounding the cake, also called a kimbley. This recipe comes from the book, "The Birth House", by Ami McKay.

Bake it at the beginning of labour for extra energy for the journey ahead, or bake during active labour to shift your focus and enjoy as a healthy treat after baby is born.

Groaning Cake:

2 ½ Cups Flour

3 eggs

2 tsp. Baking powder

½ Cup oil

1 tsp. Baking soda

½ Cup orange juice

2 tsp. Cinnamon

¼ Cup molasses

½ tsp. Ground cloves

1 1/3 Cups sugar

1 ½ cups apple (grated, no skin)

1 tsp. Almond extract

Sift dry ingredients together. Add apple. Beat eggs. Add oil, orange juice, molasses and sugar. Add to dry ingredients. Mix well. Add almond extract. Bake at 350 F. for 35-40 minutes. Makes two 9 X 5 loaves or about 18 muffins.

Additions: raisins, dates, dried fruits, or nuts.