A Bowl of Smoking Bishop

“A Merry Christmas, Bob!” said Scrooge with an earnestness that could not be mistaken, as he clapped him on the back. “A merrier Christmas, Bob, my good fellow, than I have given you for many a year! I’ll raise your salary, and endeavor to assist your struggling family, and we will discuss your affairs this very afternoon over a bowl of Smoking Bishop, Bob!”

A few years ago I mentioned that I was concocting Smoking Bishop for our Christmas Eve feast. It's festive, has a bit of literary value (see A Christmas Carol), and goes down a treat in the warm glow of Christmas lights. For those of you who would like to duplicate this yuletide treat, here's my recipe:

• 6 Seville oranges (if Seville oranges aren't available, use 5 sweet oranges and one yellow grapefruit)
• 36-40 cloves
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 quart strong red wine
• 1 bottle ruby port
• cinnamon sticks

Place oranges in a warmed glass or pottery bowl. Stick cloves into each orange. Bake the oranges at 325 degrees F for approximately 20 minutes (until golden brown). Add the sugar and the wine (not the port). Cover the bowl and leave in a warm place for at least 24 hours. Cut oranges in half and squeeze them into the wine, then pour through a sieve. To keep, pour into sterilized bottles and seal (omitting the port); to serve immediately, pour orange/wine mixture into a pan, add the port, and heat slowly. Do not boil. Serve in warm mugs with cinnamon sticks.  (Serves 4)

So, if you plan to serve Smoking Bishop Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, you need to get on the stick and get those oranges, spices, and wine doing their magic. They need to brew at least 24 hours. Let me know how yours turns out. I'm feeling merry just thinking about it. Cheers!