depends on how much you want - but for an italian roast chicken, I just cut the head and foot off from two clusters and chuck the whole lot in the Le Creuset.....
jenny...; I put a garlic clove (Not the whole head) under my chopping board, give the board a sharp smack with my fist (not too hard) then the skin can be peeled off. That's my way. Worth a try.
Mex, try giving it a bash under your chopping board; less chance of cutting yourself. But it's all the same really. Different strokes for different folks.
A good heavy chef's knife does a good job, and is a bit quicker than tucking the bulb under the board before bashing with the fist.I wouldn't argue with the knife pressers/bashers.
I've tried the 2 bowl method - got nowhere! I also tried putting the cloves in a jar & shaking it, again fail. I've lightly oiled all the cloves and put a few at a time in the microwave for about 20 seconds & that loosens the skin, making it easier to peel off.
To seperate the cloves from the bulb I just place the clove on a work surface/chopping board and press down with the heel of the palm of my hand. I cut the ends off the cloves and press down slightly with a large chef's knife handle. A slight crush and the papery skin falls off.
I have to admit that when I saw that "trick" with the bowls I thought what the hell is that all about. I just cut the ends off each piece and most of the time the "peel" just slides off. If not, use your finger-nails...That's what they're for.