Smoking Bishop, A Traditional Holiday Punch

By SippitySup

Traditionally, a Christmas version of mulled wine was made with port. It became associated with Christmas thanks to Ebineezer Scrooge. No need to be a Scrooge to enjoy this, though!

Ingredients

• 12 whole kumquats
• Whole cloves as needed
• 10 all-spice berries
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1 (750 ml) bottle ruby port wine, about 3 cups
• 1 cup brandy or cognac

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Stick 4 or 5 whole cloves into each of the kumquats. You may need to pierce the flesh with the point of a small knife to assist with this. Choose an attractive pattern for the cloves as the clove studded fruit will be used to garnish the punch bowl.

Wrap the kumquats in in foil and place them in the oven to bake 12 to 15 minutes. Until softened but still bright orange in color.

In a large non-reactive pot combine the port, 30 whole cloves, 10 all-spice berries and the brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then lower heat to a very low simmer. Let the mixture simmer, undisturbed for one hour.

When ready to serve strain the liquid into a heat proof serving bowl, add the baked kumquats and all their juices, and the brandy.

Ladle into mugs or chalices and serve warm.