This is my first posting to usenet but the subject is so worthwhile.
The price of chicken feet (CF) is high 'cause the feet are in demand
locally for such treats as  Dim Sum as in Stewed CF w/black beans and
also in soups, fricassies, and to thicken and fortify broths used as
medicines. Many cultures use the feet. My Jewish mother used them at
least monthly in fricassie, and I make them annually in Chinese
dishes. Prices will always follow demand. In Spain, years ago, I would
get them free along with a freshly killed chicken at the market. I see
them in our Chinatown and always believed they were expensive because
the Chinese community had so many uses for them. I've seen them in
supermarkets too, mainly Star Market, and they're more expensive than
the bird there too. Don't ever buy frozen ones!

 I don't want to start a run on them here so I'll refrain from getting
too detailed in their value as a nutritional, tasty, unique food. They
are very high in fat but cleaned first, toe nail snipped or chopped
off and discarded, then blanched and skinned of the yellowish outer
skin and "scales", they can be stewed in black beans much like
spareribs and are a true epicurian delight.  There is  texture and a
gelatinous quality in these appendages that make for some interesting
eating.

I've always appreciated the "economy" and thrift of the cultures that
use them but only know them as Chinese and Jewish food.

Nobody ever believes this, but in Hong Kong, during intermissions at
the cinema, chicken feet are sold by vendors that have cleaned,
blanched and skinned them, seasoned the CF with such as Five Spice
powder, and then grilled them over charcoal. They are probably
parboiled so that they are fully cooked and tender before being sold
to be eaten as a stand-up, chicken foot on a stick. The best part is
the fleshy part of the pad, but the toes are wonderful too. I know,
sounds a bit like "barbarian cuisine" but what's the difference
between chicken legs and chicken feet? And remember where the egg
actually comes from!
Hope this "newbies" answer meets your needs. I swear to the truth of
the above!!!!!