Peel Garlic in a Flash
Lara Robby/Studio D, Hearst Communications Inc., 2012
Smashing whole garlic cloves is the best way to peel them: Place the cloves on a cutting board, hold the flat side of a chef's knife on top and give it a firm whack with the heel of your other hand. Use just enough force to split the skin and crack open the cloves; if you pulverize the garlic with a heavy-handed thud, it will be harder to peel.