Okay, so this is thread creep, but while we're on such subjects, what the hell is "smoking bishop?" As in:

"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 endeavour to assist your struggling family, and we will discuss your affairs this very afternoon, over a Christmas bowl of smoking bishop, Bob. Make up the fires, and buy another coal-scuttle before you dot another i, Bob Cratchit!"

Among the cast and crew of our church/community production of A Christmas Carol this year, we were wondering, but had no good answers....

Chris