PEPHER SELECT
WHAT'S GOING ON
INGREDIENT
ANCHOVIES
What Makes Them Salty?
Anchovies are found in abundance throughout the oceans of the world, particularly in temperate temperatures.
They are small, green fish with blue reflections due to a silver-colored longitudinal stripe that runs from the base of the fin.
Why are they the chosen one for salting?
Anchovies are ideal for the salting method due to their high fat content, small size, and delicate nature that makes them ideal for developing intense umami flavours.
After being caught, preserved anchovies are gutted, layered in salt and packed in barrels from 6 months to 2 years to ferment. The salt breaks down proteins and concentrates the fish's natural flavours, resulting in the perfect ingredient to enhance many dishes. Once ready, they are most commonly sold in tins or jars, packed in salt or oil, and are also popularly purchased as a paste.
An acquired taste, many would prefer their pizza without these brown, fishy toppings. But chopped or whizzed up in a sauce or dressing, anchovies can heighten the flavours of many dishes.
Popular in Italian dishes and the key ingredient in the classic Caesar salad.
(Tom Kerridge)
STREAMING
Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model
Netflix - Release date 16 Feb 2025
Like many people, I was a big fan of ANTM in the naughties. Each week I was glued to the drama, controversy and competitive nature of this reality TV show that featured young beautiful girls going above & beyond to win the promised modelling contract.
What I don't remember is how I felt as I watched this show. Did it feel wrong and off-kilter at the time? I know I wondered if the winners actually went on to have rich & successful careers in the modelling world, but when it came to mistreatment, abuse and invasion of privacy, I honestly don't think I ever questioned the ethics of the competition.
Roll on 23 years and looking back at ANTM by today's standards, it screams anti-feministic values as the behaviour throughout comes across as toxic, abusive and just wrong.
Reality Check: Inside ANTM documentary showcases interviews with the fearless founder Tyra Banks, the producer Ken Mok and many of the contestants who talk about their experiences on the show. I don't think any of the girls went on to become America's next top model, but instead got a harsh reality check about the fierce fashion world and how to value their own self-worth.
4/5 Pepher Watchability Stars
COOKBOOK
SOMETHING FROM NOTHING
Alison Roman
“Gorgeous meals come together easily with perfect produce and well-marbled meats, but nothing gives me more pleasure than rooting around the cans and tins of a dimly-lit kitchen and emerging with the best tomato soup of my life.”
(Introduction extract)
Released last November, this is one book that I yearn to add to my collection. With recipes like Crispy Baked Beans with Mushrooms & Parmesan, Herbed Artichoke Dip and Crispy Fish with Garlic Yogurt, Capers, and Greens, how could one not be tempted?
Alison Roman is an American cook, author, and media personality known for her unfussy, pantry-staple-focused recipes. With the above ethos of getting creative with what's in your store cupboard, Alison tells us how to cook as she does – loosely, intuitively and with maximum flavour. The dishes don't have to be exact or perfect, as long as the cook finds inspiration to bring simple ingredients to life following the 100 plus recipes in this cookbook. Whether cooking for one or two, a family on a budget or entertaining for a dinner party, flicking through the pages of Something From Nothing will not disappoint.
(Published 2025 by Quadrille Publishing Limited)
Caramelized Beans with Tomato & Cabbage
ALBUM
Better BRoken
Sarah McLachlan
It has been 11 years since Sarah McLachlan released a studio album after taking a break from music to concentrate on other priorities, like raising her daughters and being a mom.
Better Broken was released last September and after the first few listens, there is nothing on the album that we haven't heard before. Fans will be brought on a journey down memory lane as the 11 songs, although each with shiny new lyrics and production sounds, still resonate the old familiar melodies and sentiments, similar to Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, Surfacing and Afterglow.
The album is receiving positive reviews for its raw and honest themes as it embraces imperfection and finds beauty in flaws and brokeness.
Sarah introduced new producers to her creative team to record this album - Tony Berg and Will Maclellan - who endeavor to broaden the musical sounds whilst still maintaining Sarah's signature emotional depth. It's perfect background listening when feeling mellow and reflective. Sometimes if it ain't broke...
Album release date 19/09/25
PEPHER TALK
HEALTH - STYLE - BEAUTY
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