How to cook with garlic cloves?!

How to cook with garlic cloves?

I don't cook much & I just use garlic powder but I'm wanting to switch to using garlic cloves but I have no idea what to do with them. What section of the store do you buy them in? And do you have to cook them? How do you cut them? I am too embarassed to ask anyone I know so please help! :)

Garlic is my second most favorite ingredient when I cook, so I greatly support your interest in switching to garlic cloves!

Generally, garlic is found in the produce section along with onions and peppers. It is actually a member of the onion family, so it usually in that row.

You need to pull a clove from the large head (bulb) of garlic, and it will be encased in white paper-like skin. The fastest way to get the skin off is take a large knife (butcher knife) and place the flat side on top of the garlic clove and use your fist to smack it down. This should release the skin somewhat, and it will be easier to pull off.

After that, you can mince it, you can leave it whole, you can slice it...The thinner and smaller the pieces, the spicier the taste. The flavor is different based on the size, so you just need to try it all out.

Hint: Wash your hands regularly when handling garlic. If you wait until you are finished touching it, you will have garlic smell on your hands for days. I like to do it at least once I have finished pulling the cloves from the bulb and then once I've finished chopping it.