What are sweetbreads?
Sweetbreads are not pastries, as their name implies, but are a type of meat. Sweetbreads are the thymus glands (found near the base of the neck) of veal, young beef, lamb, and pork. Sweetbreads from milk-fed veal or young calves are the most desirable because of their firm texture and delicate flavor. Since they spoil so rapidly, sweetbreads should be prepared within one day of purchase. Methods of cooking sweetbreads include braising, poaching, and sauteing. Source: Herbst, Sharon T. The New Food Lover’s Companion: Comprehensive Definitions of Over 4000 Food, Wine, and Culinary Terms, p. 570-571.
