But the idea is simply that garlic has volatile oils and by smashing them you release them. (Moreso than just with chopping.)
FWIW, this is also why ATK recommends the garlic press -- it's like smashing and mincing all in one!
You know what the chain of command is? It's the chain I go get and beat you with until you understand who's in ruttin' command here.
Jayne ,'The Train Job'
The Crying of Natter 49
Off-topic discussion. Wanna talk about corsets, duct tape, or physics? This is the place. Detailed discussion of any current-season TV must be whitefonted.
Jessica - Jan 05, 2007 10:24:37 am PST #461 of 10001
If I want to become a cloud of bats, does each bat need a separate vaccination?
Nora Deirdre - Jan 05, 2007 10:24:39 am PST #462 of 10001
I’m responsible for my own happiness? I can’t even be responsible for my own breakfast! (Bojack Horseman)
beth b - Jan 05, 2007 10:24:53 am PST #463 of 10001
oh joy! Oh Rapture ! I have a brain!
I'm a big proponent of learning how to use a real chef's knife properly
I'm a self taught cook. and I grew up in house with bad knives. ( Matt always sharpens my parents knives when we go down there) Untill we had good knives, I would have done what JZ did . And even after I moved in with DH. Because all he had were 10 and 12 inch chef knives. Most of the time I am happier with an 8" or less . Strangely, some of the best knives wwe own are 6 inch Ikea santkou style. 8 bucks. amazing knives.
DavidS - Jan 05, 2007 10:26:28 am PST #464 of 10001
"Look, son, if it's good enough for Shirley Bassey, it's good enough for you."
FWIW, this is also why ATK recommends the garlic press -- it's like smashing and mincing all in one!
Yeah, that's why I'm not really anti-garlic press. As long as you don't leave your pressed garlic juice behind on the chopping board.
-t - Jan 05, 2007 10:27:17 am PST #465 of 10001
I am a woman of various inclinations and only some of the time are they to burn everything down in frustration
Make fist with other hand (or use the palm of your hand) and SMACK THAT BLADE.
That's the part I can't do. I'm afeared of the sharp part, even if it is pointing away from me, and it makes my smashing timid.
Nora is right, I have the magic garlic press that peels the clove for me. I do have one of those rubber tube things lying around, but I haven't had to use it in a goodly while.
beth b - Jan 05, 2007 10:27:44 am PST #466 of 10001
oh joy! Oh Rapture ! I have a brain!
alternative smashing method. place clove on board. place flat of knife on clove. place fist on flat of knife. lean.
actually -flat hand will do , as long as no part of hand is near the sharp edge of knife
Sean K - Jan 05, 2007 10:27:46 am PST #467 of 10001
You can't leave me to my own devices; my devices are Nap and Eat. -Zenkitty
If you don't smash the garlic with a knife, how do you peel it? The rolling-between-your-hands technique is painful, and those garlic-peely devices always get lost in my house.
Get this! I cut off the bottom and peel by hand, baybee! Sometimes it's tougher than others, as the peel is very clingy, but most times I can get the outer shell off pretty quickly.
Connie Neil - Jan 05, 2007 10:28:11 am PST #468 of 10001
brillig
PINK!
OMG, how much do I love little Ethan among his blue things, with his serious face!
edit: Seriously, though, some relative needs to invest in something green or yellow for those kids.
-t - Jan 05, 2007 10:28:22 am PST #469 of 10001
I am a woman of various inclinations and only some of the time are they to burn everything down in frustration
Santoku knives are pretty damn cool.
Sue - Jan 05, 2007 10:28:31 am PST #470 of 10001
hip deep in pie
Beth, my best knife is an IKEA knife, but it may just be that the rest need to be sharpened.