Christmas Spiced Shortbread Who doesn't love shortbread? A pointless question, unless you're vegan or avoiding gluten, I suppose—but even then, surely the idea of it still sounds good! Shortbread feels inherently festive to me. Maybe it’s the buttery richness or its association with colder months. I wanted to take this classic treat closer to Christmas, inspired by the warm spices and bright citrus notes of the season. Think Christmas Pudding, Christmas Cake, Mince Pies, or Stollen—there’s something about cinnamon, clove, and allspice that perfectly complements winter’s chill. For my festive version, I’ve added a mix of spices, citrus zest, and a small twist: raisins soaked in Cointreau for a hit of fruity sweetness and orange flavor. (Feel free to switch up the soaking liquid—rum, hot tea, or even water will do.) A quick note on clove: it’s a potent spice, and not everyone loves its strength. If that’s you, reduce it to 1/4 teaspoon. I’ve also added almond extract for a subtle...
Ommni's Bakehouse - About Me
Hi foodies!
Current me
Thomas here, otherwise known as Ommni, I'm not just into food, but I'm a bit of a gamer also; Ommni is my gaming "tag" and alter ego.
Arguably I'm better known as Ommni online, its the me that was created of years gaming and socialising within those circles, and I really like being that part of myself, so I lent its name to my blog.
When I was much younger I wanted to be a chef, but for some unknown reason life took me in a vastly different direction, it took many years to learn that this was to great detriment, however I slammed on the brakes and drifted into the world of food but with a modern spin.
Past Me
I've been cooking since I was knee high, I still have my first cookery book, and the subsequent ones that I cumulated. A food highlight was regularly visiting the BBC Good Food festival that used to be hosted ay Olympia in London; I have so many happy memories from this event.
At the food festival just inside the door there used to be a stand churning out fresh hot bagels, its the first place I tried Snyder's pretzels, there was free samples on tap, the people over at the Coleman's Mustard were entertained by a small child making return trips for the hot stuff, me and my sister would sit on the floor in the wine area upstairs getting a bit bored, and we met so many celebrity chefs.
My favourite chef that I met and formed a bond with was Valentina Harris, the loveliest of people and Italian cooking queen, I believe she had a huge impact on my love of food to this day. I hope she sees this blog, and if she does, she reads a great big thank you!
It'd be remise if I didn't mention the guys over at the Sorted Food YouTube channel, they're all as nice in person as you'd imagine, and in particular I'd like to thank Kush who gave some encouragement when starting out this journey. and Sophie of course, she isn't a member of the sorted team, but a great friend that I met whilst at a Sorted Food event, which you can read about here Earthshot Prize- with Sorted Food.
Future Me
I'm still toiling the typical 9 to 5, but I've dedicated to getting this blog soaring off the ground and getting a new bit of literature out every week.
If you're into your food in some capacity, stick around, the core will be baking, but this covers a whole host of things beyond cakes, not that they'll be missing!
Look forward to recipes and reviews galore, we'll be looking at events, places, courses, books, gadgets, and much more as it comes along.
Its time to let the elephant roam the room, I'm a pescatarian, mostly for ethical reasons, but also environmental; I don't go on about my life choices, don't worry, that's why I'm letting you know up front.
I believe that in today's world there's so many alternatives to meat I don't see a need to harm our living friends. Before you point out fish are creatures also, but I'm a realist and understand that some nutrients just aren't going to enter my diet in a meaningful way otherwise.
I'd like to believe most foodies have varied diets, and there will be something here for you, go have a look in the posts, there already will be I'm sure!