Nuts are easier to chop when they are warm.
To make peeling garlic easier, microwave unpeeled garlic cloves on HIGH for 10-20 seconds. Cool and store unpeeled cloves in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you use garlic often, chop several heads of garlic at once. Place the chopped garlic in tablespoon of olive oil in an airtight glass container. Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 2 wks.