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Kromex canister set edges up in value

31.12.69

Q: I have a spun aluminum canister set which made in 1957 by Kromex. It includes four sugar, tea and coffee canisters in addition to matching salt and pepper shakers, a spice rack with eight containers and a bread box. All are in excellent condition. I would like to know the approximate value of this set.

- Joyce, Daytona Beach, Fla.

A: As more and more people are restoring mid-century homes, the price of accessories such as your canister set from 1957 continue to edge up in value. It's a plus that your set appears to be fairly complete and is in such excellent condition. One of the better reference books for kitchen accessories from the post-war period is Spiffy Kitchen Collectibles by Brian S. Alexander (Krause Publications, $24.99). This guide features several canister sets, and most are valued in the $25 to $75 range.

Q: I have a silver spoon from the Columbian Exposition of 1892. How much is it worth?

- Glenn, Peoria, Ariz.

A: A souvenir spoon from the Columbian Exposition recently sold on eBay for $35. There were dozens of spoons with various designs sold at the event, but most seem to be selling in the $25 to $35 range. On the other hand, one of the most popular fairs was the Louisiana Purchase Exposition of 1904, commonly known as the St. Louis World's Fair. A spoon showing an image of Jefferson and Napoleon currently sells in the $50 to $100 range; a demitasse spoon with twisted handle, $35 to $50; and one showing Festival Hall and the Cascades, $600 to $800.

Source: Times and Transcript

Pumpkin ideas to satisfy Halloween hungers

31.12.69

2¼ cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1½ teaspoons cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground ginger

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup granulated sugar

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Grated zest of 1 orange, optional

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped walnuts

Glaze:

1½ cups confectioners’ sugar

2½ tablespoons milk

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cookies:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray baking sheets with cooking spray or line with parchment paper. Set aside.

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Using an electric mixer set on medium speed, cream together the butter and sugars. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the pumpkin, eggs, vanilla and orange zest, beating well to blend. Slowly add the dry ingredients, beating well to blend. Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts.

Source: The Times of Trenton - NJ.com