Carmel is a beautiful, romantic place situated on the California coast. It has a village-like quality, full of trees and quaint little streets with beautiful landscaped yards. Most of the shops are boutique in style and this adds to the homey small town feel.In most homes, the traditional Christmas dinner is served on Christmas Eve, and it is a feast. The main course is slow cooker duck breast recipes, goose, or port. rice pudding is a traditional Christmas dish. Be it warm or cold pudding, it is important that there be one almond in the dish. The person who gets the almond gets the almond present. The almond present is traditionally a marzipan pig. Red wine is usually served with the dinner. Glogg, a warm spiced red wine, fortified with brandy is another traditional Christmas treat.If you love wines from the Mediterranean, then start at Samos Tavern in Mt. Pleasant on Coleman Boulevard at 5 pm on Monday night to savor their regular Monday night offering. Call Samos at 843-869-6619. The cost is $5 and is a great stop on your way to California to experience a five course dinner at Crave Kitchen and Cocktails.Jack Bittner, VP and General Manager of Cliff Lede Vineyards in Yountville, California is coming to the Mile High City for the Sip and Savor event. Chef Robert Bogart is creating seasonal specialties to compliment the four different selections from the Napa Valley winery, complimenting the palette and stirring the senses. Offerings such as the 2008 Breggo Pinor Noir with Oak Smoked how to cook duck, served with new potatoes, chard and berry jus and the 2007 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon with Lamb Osso Bucco are just a sampling of the luscious menu for this Sip and Savor.Don't worry, nothing will burn in your slow cooker duck. Leaving it set on low when you're out all day will keep it safe and sound until you come home to enjoy it.Otherwise, how about a classic chili wrap using pancakes as the wrap? Just make up some basic meat sauce, add cooking a whole duck on the big green egg few slices of avocado, some grated cheese and away you go.Wipe the outside with a damp cloth and dry completely. Do not use abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals, or scouring pads on the outside of your slow cooker or you will damage it forever. These tips will keep your food safe and your slow cooker working for years.