Rancher's Delight

• You may find testicles, both lamb and calf, on the dinner tables of ranchers from Nevada to Texas. When food was scarce, ranchers and farmers used every part of the animal and the tradition of eating this type of offal stuck. The region boasts an annual fry dedicated to the preparation of lamb and calf testicles known as the "Testicle Festival."

International Cuisine

• Basque sheepherders, many of whom emigrated to Nevada in the 19th century, have a tradition of eating lamb testicles. Traditional lamb-fest celebrations, called "bildoch pesta," include dishes made with testicles. Serbian, Italian, Chinese and French cultures also have a tradition of preparing offal, such as lamb testicles. An annual World Testicle Cooking Championship is held in Serbia, featuring cow, pig and lamb specimens.

Ballsy Preparations

• Lamb fries are testicles coated in breading and fried, but you can also find the testies barbecued, roasted, poached, braised or sauteed. Most lambs' testicles come from the butcher and are covered in an inedible membrane. To remove this membrane, submerge the testicles in boiling water for a few minutes and then stop the cooking process by immediately placing them in ice water. You can then remove the outer membrane and cook the balls to your liking.

Where in the World...

• Running down to your corner market and picking up a couple pounds of lamb testicles for your next dinner party is probably not possible. Your local butcher may be able to order some for you, but they are hard to find as most male sheep are castrated shortly after birth. You also may be able to find lamb testicles in the meat department of Halal markets.