Dear SOS: We've just returned from a trip to Chicago, and I tell you, we were there for just five days, but we were at the Purple Pig three times. My fave is their fried pig's ears with crispy kale.

1 pound pig ears (about 2 ears) 4 gallons water, divided. 1 cup diced carrot. 1 cup diced celery. 1 cup diced onion. 1 cup milk. 1 cup instant flour, such as Wondra ...