Today’s WW is not very wordless, but I want to explain a bit of the history behind a “Groaning Cake” ! I recently read The Birth House by Ami McKay and in the book there are several references to Groaning Cake.
“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 labour 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…” (Ami McKay)
This is my version of a Groaning Cake, I made it to take to our book club meeting the night we discussed The Birth House.
If you would like to make a Groaning Cake you can find the recipe HERE.
{In case you are wondering it is delicious! Dense and moist, very similar in texture to a carrot cake!}
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Monica Parlee
I absolutely loved my 1/2 cupcake of that delicious groaning cake. Wish I hadn’t eaten so much before and saved room.
Unfortunately Kathy, I had no such self control and ate my entire cupcake…lol !!
Ohhhh, I want one now!! ok, maybe 2!
;)
They are very yummy Tammi!
This looks so delicious!!
Thanks Kathrine, they were very tasty!
So interesting! I need a pregnant friend to bake these for! Lol
Wow! That is so neat! I had never heard of that! Very cool!
What a neat idea!
It was such a great story Olivia!
I’ve never heard this one before, but it’s a great story!
It was a very cool story Robin!
I wish I knew about Groaning cakes years ago! These look divine!
Me too DeBalino, I can see why women would eat it…packed with lots of energy!
That was a great book. I love that you made this a themed book club experience! Awesome.
It was fun to actually talk about the book and taste the cake that was mentioned. Plus Paula, it was a good excuse for me to bake!
Pinned and shared. I love this post. It’s really clever and has so many ties in to subjects that I explore on my blog and on my pinterest boards.
Awhhh…thanks Paula, that was so nice of you!
I’ve never heard of a groaning cake but this one sure looks yummy!
I hadn’t either Jennifer…interesting concept!
Looks so yummy. I haven’t made a batch of cupcakes in a few months. Think maybe it’s time again!
These are so good Jennifer, similar to carrot cake!
Those look very yummy!
Thanks Tabitha, it was delicious!
Wow, that is a gorgeous cupcake!!! Now I’m hungry. :)
It was very tasty Bonnie!
I love little folk stories like that! Wonder if it works ;)
I love those stories too! Not sure if it works but I do know when I was in labour with our first baby…I had to have these custard filled doughnuts from Tim Horton’s…I think I ate about 4 or 5…lol! It must be natures way of giving you fuel for the work that lies ahead!!