I first encountered sweetbreads a few years ago when I was a judge for a local lamb cooking competition. After sampling some cold, mediocre, and downright bland dishes, my expectations had plummeted.

Sweetbreads are available from good butchers, but may need to be ordered in advance. Calves’ sweetbreads may come from European veal; if animal welfare is a concern, look for sweetbreads that ...

Step 1: To prepare sweetbreads, soak in cold water for 2-3 hours, changing the water three or more times until they are white. Step 2: Place them in a pan of fresh water, bring it to a boil and ...

Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and add the sweetbreads. Simmer for 3-4 minutes. Then remove and refresh in some chilled water. Then gently remove all of the fat and sinew from each ...