Fennel Saffron Soup with Dumplings

(recipe from the book Local Flavors used with permission of the author, Deborah Madison) Serves 4. The Saffron Dumplings (makes 20 small dumplings) ½ cup milk 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 pinches saffron threads sea salt and freshly ground pepper ¼ cup minced...