James Silverton > wrote:

> I only like them as a contribution to an overall
> flavor and I can't stand them on pizza.

Anchovies are a particular kind of fish, Engraulidae spp. They can be
cooked fresh, i.e. when they are not brined, etc. Then they taste a bit
like fresh sardines. They can be prepared in many ways, and they can be
brined or marinated, etc. in many ways, too. I do not like the way they
are usually prepared in Italy (to be put on pizza, etc.), either, as
they tend to be too dry and salty for my taste, but I adore them the way
they are typically brined in Germany, Baltic countries and Russia, where
they resemble somewhat similarly brined/marinated (not smoked) sprats,
which are actually another kettle of fish. They taste salty, too, but
in a different way, and they almost melt in the mouth. Both kinds are
available here in Germany.

Victor