Imbolc is an important feast day in the Celtic tradition, marking the mid-way point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It's a time of rebirth and reverie that stirs as the long-awaited spring begins to return. In Ireland, where it is also known as Oimelc, celebratory Gaelic festivals are held all over the country from sunrise to sunset.
This recipe is my personal spin on a traditional Imbolc cake. The recipe is fairly simple and -BONUS- you can make this cake all in one baking tin!

Ingredients:
15 cups (210g) all-purpose flour
 1 cup (100g) sugar or a sweetener substitute of your choice*
 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
 1 tablespoon baking soda
 1 tablespoon salt
 5 cups (180ml) water
 2 cups (60ml) vegetable oil or unsweetened applesauce*
 1 tablespoon lemon peel
 1 tablespoon orange peel
 2 tablespoons lemon juice
 2 tablespoons orange juice
    powdered sugar
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the flour, sugar, poppy seeds, hemp seeds, baking soda, and salt with a fork in an ungreased 9x9x2 inch (23x23x5 cm) baking tin. Stir in the remaining ingredients except for the powdered sugar. Bake for 35 - 45 minutes or until you can insert a wooden toothpick in the center having it come out clean and the top is golden brown. Carefully remove your cake from the oven and allow it to cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and slice as you wish. If you choose to frost your Imbolc cake I have included a simply buttercream frosting recipe below.

Ingredients:
3 cups (300g) powdered sugar
1/3 cup (80g)butter, softened
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 to 2 tablespoons milk

In medium bowl, mix powdered the sugar and butter with a spoon or electric mixer on low speed. Stir in the vanilla and 1 tablespoon of the milk. Gradually beat in just enough remaining milk to make frosting smooth and spreadable. If frosting is too thick, beat in more milk, a few drops at a time. If frosting becomes too thin, beat in a small amount of powdered sugar. After the cake has cooled, you may frost and garnish as you like. Try thin slices of orange and lemon and a sprinkle of poppy seeds. Slice and serve as you like.