Groaning Cake

2 1/2 C Flour
2 t Baking Powder
1 t Baking Soda
2 t Cinnamon
1/2 t Ground Cloves
1 1/2 C apples (grated, no skin)
3 Eggs (or egg replacement equivalent)
1/2 C Oil
1/2 C Orange Juice
1/4 C Molasses
1 1/3 C Sugar
1 t Almond Extract

Sift dry ingredients together. Add apple. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, then add oil, orange juice, molassas and sugar. Add wet mixture to dry ingredients. Mix well. Add almond extract. Pour into 2 9x5" loaf pans or 18 muffin cups. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40min for loaf pans, ~20min for muffins.

Optional additions: raisins, dates, dried fruits, or nuts.

Story:
The tradition of the groaning cake, or kimbly at (or following) a birth is an ancient one. Wives' tales say that the scent of a groaning cake being baked in the birth house helps to ease the mother's pain. Some say if a mother breaks the eggs while she's aching, her labor won't last as long. Others say that if a family wants prosperity and fertility, the father must pass pieces of the cake to friends and family the first time the mother and baby are "churched" (or the first time they go to a public gathering) after a birth. Many cultures share similar traditions... a special dish, bread, or drink, spiced with cinnamon, all spice, and/or ginger. At one time there was even a "groaning ale" made to go with it... (recipe from www.thebirthhouse.com)