To remove individual garlic cloves, peel outer layers from the bulb and snap out each clove from the base. Cloves can then be peeled very easily.

For a stronger flavor: Use chopped, crushed, pressed or pureed garlic in dishes. The more finely garlic is chopped, the stronger its flavor will be.To chop garlic, cut in half lengthwise (remove the green core if there is one — it is bitter). Make several lengthwise cuts and than cut crosswise. A garlic press can be also be used.

For a more mild flavor: Whole cloves can be added (unpeeled for an even more subtle taste) to food while it cooks or marinates and than discarded before serving the meal. Another trick for imparting a mild garlic flavor in your dish is to spear a garlic clove with a fork and stir your dish with it — discarding the garlic when stirring is complete.

• Flavor soups and stews with crushed garlic
• Roast whole gloves with meats or poultry
• Chop finely and add to salad dressings
• Bake whole heads until softened; pop out soft flesh from cloves and spread on bread
• Put minced garlic on a loaf of bread to make an authentic tasting garlic bread!