"cybercat" > wrote in message
>>
>> I've not touched a garlic press since I found out how easy it is to just
>> smash and chop. IMO, it gives better flavor than the stuff through a
>> press. Faster too, once you learn how.
>
> I use a large meat tenderizer, mallet-style. I use the flat side and crush
> then dice finely. Someone gave me a garlic press and I used it once, which
> is as many times as I ever want to clean a garlic press.

Instead of the mallet, I use the side of a wide knife and bang it with the
heel of my hand. Then you pull away the peel, give a few chops, and into
the pan. I can have three cloves chopped by the time you can find the
press.