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Meet Beth

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local milk is a journal devoted to home cookery, travel, family, and slow living—to being present & finding sustenance of every kind. It’s about nesting abroad & finding the exotic in the everyday. Most of all it’s about the perfection of imperfections and seeing the beauty of everyday, mundane life.

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  1. Cook
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Insta-Milk

A Local Milk Christmas: Balsam Fir Syrup + Fennel Rosemary Cookies

Baking

12.24.2013

DIY Gift: Balsam Fir Syrup

Foraged Gift Wrapping

Fennel Rosemary Snowflakes

DIY Tree Trimming Garland

I love the hieroglyphics of the holidays, the evergreen in the dead of winter. The ancient traditions & customs we’ve accumulated over thousands of years. Winter meant more before, before central air & heat and 70°F Decembers. Before electric ovens and take out. It probably meant fur pelts and mostly suffering. Big fires and steaming cups of hot anything. Now I burn quaint fires that I don’t need, at least not physically though it arguably meets another need, and I wrangle a balsam fir up my front steps, hands black and sticky with sap. But I can’t remember why, an historical amnesia brought on by did I get the dry cleaning and I need to swing by the bank. Brought on by having too much. Why am I doing this? Why are there spices simmering—juniper, nutmeg, cinnamon, rosemary, and slices of deep red apple in a copper pot? Why the cookies, the small army of cookies? It’s not just festive. They’re symbols. And now I remember why I bring a whole tree into my home when bare limbs are etched deep into the stark sky, when nights are their longest yet slowly dwindling. I remember that everything always dies and something green remains. The year is a wheel, not a line. And in the heart of winter human beings have celebrated rebirth & life for as far back as we can see. Winter can still mean a thing. We’ve only to remember.

Foraged Gift Wrapping

DIY Gift: Balsam Fir Syrup

Fennel Rosemary Snowflakes

DIY Tree Trimming Garland

fireside

That’s why I like to keep my festivities close to the earth—rustic modern if you will. Come the holidays you probably won’t find me in sequins & velvet. I’ll stick with my plaid and Warby Parker glasses (I favor the Lyle in English Oak but I really want these as my next pair) while I bake cookies, make simple garlands of pine cones & evergreen, infuse warm spices & tree trimmings into syrup for gifts, and wrap parcels (poorly—I have the gift wrapping prowess of a kindergartner—really, you should see the ends) in twine and brown paper with bits of cotton & greenery & berries from the yard—packages of handmade edibles & goods to be warmly given with hand written notes that actually say something.

Foraged Gift Wrapping

Foraged Gift Wrapping

DIY Gift: Balsam Fir Syrup

DIY Tree Trimming Garland + Warby Parker

Fennel Rosemary Snowflakes

DIY Tree Trimming Garland

DIY Tree Trimming Garland + Warby Parker

That said, you best believe that I don’t make beautiful snowflake shaped cookies come Christmas day. No. I make legions of Boba Fett’s, Vaders, Yoda’s and all manor of spacecraft—TIE fighters, X-wings, and, of course, the Millenium Falcon. Gingerbread men? Ha! Gingerbread R2-D2. So while I keep it classic in most arenas, we all have our soft kitschy spots. Though if anyone ever called Star Wars kitsch I might get in a fist fight with them. Epic, it’s an epic. I digress. Anyone know where I can find Dr. Who cookie cutters?

DIY Tree Trimming Garland

So if you’re like me and spending this Christmas Eve running around doing everything from baking cookies to wrapping gifts to oh…I don’t know…picking up a case of 100 oysters (yep!), I hope this inspires you. Merry Christmas & Happy holidays! I really do rather love you all.
Fennel Rosemary Snowflakes

Print
Fennel Rosemary Snowflakes

Prep Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Yield: depends on cookies size; about 40 3" cookies

Slightly salty, buttery, and flecked with rosemary & fennel these are grown up sugar cookies for the holidays. These cookies are the best of both worlds, both flavorful & visually inspiring. You won't find bland, play dough cookies here.

Ingredients

  • 2 sticks (1/2 lb, 232 g) unsalted butter, room temp
  • 3/4 cup (165 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 egg, room temp
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp natural orange flavor (optional)
  • 2.5 cups (315 g) all purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon fennel seeds, ground to a powder
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary

Instructions

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer beat the sugar, salt, and butter until pale and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the bowl half way through.
  2. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix flour, fennel, and rosemary.
  3. Add in the egg, vanilla, and orange and beat on low to incorporate.
  4. With mixer off add in the flour mixture. Beat on low until just incorporated.
  5. Using a spatula make sure the dough is well combined, and then form it into two disks and wrap in plastic. Chill at least one hour and up to over night. Set out for about five minutes before rolling out.
  6. Heat oven to 350°F. Line a sheet tray with parchment and lightly grease the parchment.
  7. Roll out cookies on a floured work surface. If your dough is cracking, it's too cold. Just smoosh it together and let it get to a workable consistency & temperature. Don't give up on it!
  8. Cut cookies into desired shapes (whether that be a delicate snowflake or Darth Vader's head) and place on the sheet tray about 1" apart.
  9. Bake 8-10 minutes until very barely golden around the edges.
  10. Cool fully on a rack and store at room temperature in an air tight container.

Notes

I use Alton Brown's ratio for royal icing. You can find it here Adapted from Food52

3.1
https://localmilkblog.com/2013/12/local-milk-christmas-2013.html

DIY Gift: Balsam Fir Syrup

Print
Balsam Fir Syrup

I can't imagine anything that tastes more like Christmas than this pine & warm spiced syrup. The acid in it cuts the sweetness making it the perfect mixer for cocktails (especially gin), tea (hot or iced), and it makes a wonderful instant soda mixed with sparkling water. But don't stop there! You can also pour it over baked goods, drizzle it on yogurt, make marshmallows with it, make a sweet +savory glaze for fowl or game... sky's the limit!

Ingredients

  • 8 cups of water
  • 4 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 cups light brown sugar
  • 3 cinnamon sticks, crushed
  • 1 nutmeg, crushed
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • pinch of ground cloves or 6 whole cloves lightly crushed
  • pinch of mace (optional)
  • pinch or two of salt
  • 2 tsp citric acid or 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
  • 1.5 cups balsam fir or other edible conifer needles, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan bring the sugar and water to a boil together, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in all the other ingredients. Let steep at least until the mixture is completely cooled. I prefer to steep mine over night. Stir occasionally. The next morning strain through a cheese cloth lined mesh strainer into bottles. Store in the fridge. Should keep a few months due to the acid.

Notes

Make sure you wash your trimmings very, very thoroughly unless you are certain you have a tree that wasn't sprayed with chemicals.

3.1
https://localmilkblog.com/2013/12/local-milk-christmas-2013.html

DIY Tree Trimming Garland

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tags: balsam fir, christmas, cookies, diy, foraged, garland, gift, gift wrap, holiday, holiday decorating, homemade, ideas, paper, pine, pinecone, simple syrup, winter, wrapping

72 thoughts on “A Local Milk Christmas: Balsam Fir Syrup + Fennel Rosemary Cookies”

  1. heather says:
    December 24, 2013 at 3:17 pm

    These photos are so incredibly beautiful. I want to print them all out and hang them on my walls and pretend I live in them. Hehe.

    Happiest holidays.

    Reply
  2. Sanda says:
    December 24, 2013 at 3:29 pm

    Beautiful Beth. Have a great holidays!!!

    Reply
  3. Two Red Bowls says:
    December 24, 2013 at 4:13 pm

    Is that you in the photo?! I love your longer hair! And the Warby Parkers, of course. And I’m so in love with these pine and fir flavored goods you have these days. Fir syrup sounds out. of. this. world. Hope you have a perfect Christmas, Beth.

    Reply
  4. Allie H. says:
    December 24, 2013 at 4:23 pm

    Making your Lapsang Souchong Carmel has become a new holiday tradition for my family. Blessings on your holiday season!

    Reply
  5. Rikki says:
    December 24, 2013 at 4:49 pm

    This very well may be my most favorite post of yours, Beth. Your rendition of the holidays seems of the purest and honest. I deeply admire that, as it has been a goal of ours (since having kids) to maintain that sense of, as you say, rustic modern plaid wearing, feel-good type. Merry Christmas to you and yours! I look forward to reading along with you into the new year!

    Reply
  6. Tawney Weir says:
    December 24, 2013 at 6:48 pm

    I’ve only recently discovered your site, with it’s moody photographs filled with nature, vintage, and delicious food. This post was particularly lovely…your holiday musings resonate. Cheers and happy yule things!

    Reply
  7. Sara says:
    December 24, 2013 at 11:27 pm

    Your words always paint such a gorgeous picture in my mind. Your pictures, grand icing on the cake. Thank-you for sharing. Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  8. Jen says:
    December 24, 2013 at 11:38 pm

    What a beautiful post to read on Christmas Eve – but – reality check time… your gift wrapping is out of this world lovely. I know whereof I speak since I got to open not one but two packages from Sweet Gum Co. recently. I am almost tempted to order something else just to get another one. No “poorly” anywhere in sight!

    Reply
  9. Joy says:
    December 24, 2013 at 11:54 pm

    Great recipe. Merry Christmas to you too!

    Reply
  10. Vickie says:
    December 25, 2013 at 1:11 am

    I love that you make Star Wars shaped cookies – those would go down very well in this household. Dr Who ones even more so – might have to start looking for some cutters 🙂

    Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  11. Claudette says:
    December 25, 2013 at 2:03 am

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/168706175/doctor-who-3d-printed-dalek-and-tardis?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=doctor+who+cookie+cutter&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

    Beautiful post, as always. Merry Christmas Beth. 🙂

    Reply
  12. Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says:
    December 25, 2013 at 8:22 am

    Aww merry christmas to you too! And I love the syrup!

    Reply
  13. Nicole says:
    December 25, 2013 at 12:27 pm

    I mean, your photos are awesome and tell a story by themselves. Awesome!

    Reply
  14. molly yeh says:
    December 26, 2013 at 10:11 am

    there’s just an extra umph in these photos knowing that the cards have messages that actually say something. i love it! and that garland. as soon as i get myself a fireplace, that is going up. merry christmas to you, beth!

    ooh and a random question: where did you get those scissors?? i have been looking everywhere! i’ve seen joyce chen ones online, which are a similar shape, but only seem to come in such bright colors. i like the metal ones that you have!

    Reply
  15. Margherita says:
    December 26, 2013 at 4:00 pm

    Everything is so warm…

    Reply
  16. Emily Brock says:
    December 27, 2013 at 6:56 pm

    You in those warby parkers is the cutest pic evahh.

    Reply
    1. beth says:
      December 28, 2013 at 2:26 am

      You should see the one’s where Gremlin is crawling all over me! Suh kewt.

      Reply
  17. Kirsten says:
    December 28, 2013 at 12:09 am

    Just found your website and can I just say WOW. So much photo inspiration here. Love the moodiness of the scenes. Can’t wait to spend some time going through your blog!

    Reply
  18. Erin Orr says:
    December 28, 2013 at 12:29 pm

    I love your writing. I so appreciate how genuine, thoughtful and generous you are in sharing your reflections. Also, someday I hope to live somewhere where I can wander out and gather some edible conifer needles to make this syrup. I sounds perfect!

    Reply
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  20. Joe says:
    December 29, 2013 at 11:05 am

    Long live Star Trek, Captain Kirk, Spock and Bones. Live long and prosper.

    Reply
  21. Darlene Brown says:
    December 29, 2013 at 12:40 pm

    With the craziness of the holidays, baking took a back seat. Now with a cold snap filling the emptiness of the holiday, this is just perfect to fill the air with winter. Thanks!

    Reply
  22. Chelsey says:
    December 29, 2013 at 2:25 pm

    Love everything about this post Beth…especially the self portrait!

    Reply
  23. Rikki says:
    December 31, 2013 at 3:14 am

    So I just made these, completely unsure what to think, and the savory contrast is out of this world. Topped with homemade buttercream frosting delicately trimming the cookie was the perfect balance. These are going to be ringing in the New Year with us and our closest friends. So excited to share these!

    Reply
  24. cecilia buyswheeler gunther says:
    January 1, 2014 at 10:44 am

    Your work is inspiring. And your words are beautifully arranged like images themselves. Have a wonderful new year. I do look forward to getting to know you better in 2014. c

    Reply
  25. Food to Fitness says:
    January 2, 2014 at 12:20 am

    You have such an amazing blog. Great pics and delicious recipes. Keep up the good work!

    Reply
  26. Amy Johnson says:
    January 2, 2014 at 12:41 pm

    This is so pretty and really embodies winter. I love it! Thanks for posting such beautiful photos. Happy New Year!

    Reply
  27. Linda says:
    January 3, 2014 at 12:38 pm

    This syrup recipe is fabulous. Do you know if you can use another type of fir? Not sure if our tree is fraser or douglas or noble or?

    Reply
    1. beth says:
      January 4, 2014 at 11:31 pm

      As long as they’re edible (i.e. non toxic)… no problem!

      Reply
  28. Elizabeth says:
    January 4, 2014 at 7:44 pm

    I am so so so inspired. Thank you for these gorgeous photos and recipes. Also, I love to wrap gifts like that, only it just now occurred to me that now I can use red berries from the neighborhood. I had forgotten that I live in a place where I can gather them up.

    I actually just read a post where someone had a Dr. Who cookie cutter for cookies and included a link. If I find it again, I’ll let you know.

    Reply
  29. Babou says:
    January 5, 2014 at 9:57 pm

    Thank you so much for those recipes.
    Every winter I infuse olive oil with balsam fir to make balm, but it’s the first time I use it for cooking. Made the syrup this week and put it on everything lol

    Reply
  30. Kristyn @ Milk + Crown says:
    January 6, 2014 at 5:30 pm

    Lovely photos! The recipe sounds delish 🙂 Your new glasses are gorgeous as well, I’m such a fan of Warby Parker and love my own pair dearly. Hope the holidays were swell, and your new year is off to a good start!

    Reply
  31. Helen says:
    January 10, 2014 at 5:42 pm

    Such a beautiful, atmospheric post. As for Doctor Who . . . http://www.lakeland.co.uk/brands/doctor-who?intcmp=INTSRCH:doctorwho
    Have a wonderful 2014!

    Reply
  32. em says:
    January 11, 2014 at 9:19 am

    you are such a constant source of inspiration, to make and create in ways weird and imperfect

    Reply
  33. Jess says:
    January 11, 2014 at 8:22 pm

    Wow what a delightful celebration!

    Reply
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  35. Ellie Gross says:
    November 7, 2014 at 12:01 pm

    Thank you so much Beth for an inspirational post. I am assuming one could use 8 cups maple syrup for this recipe instead of 8 cups sugar and water. What do you think?
    Take care, Ellie

    Reply
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  44. stephanie says:
    December 19, 2014 at 6:51 pm

    oh man, my sister-n-law won over my four boys last year by having them over to make Christmas cookies with our pooled collection of Star Wars (me) and Dr. Who (her) cookie cutters…

    Reply
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  47. Honey Duggan says:
    December 22, 2014 at 6:04 am

    I’m pretty sure we’re long lost sisters. Our first Christmas living in France we wanted to forgo buying a bunch of mass produced ornaments, so our ornaments were either procured at local christmas markets or handmade by us out of salt dough. And they all happen to be made with Star Wars cookie cutters…much to my mother in laws chagrin. 🙂

    There are tons and tons of Dr. Who cookie cutters on etsy! (And Sherlock (BBC) too, if you’re into that sort of thing.

    Happiest of holidays!!!

    Reply
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  51. MOntse Barahona says:
    September 18, 2015 at 12:20 pm

    …….so so so beautiful

    Reply
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  54. Angie says:
    January 24, 2016 at 1:35 am

    Hi Beth,
    Loving this post too! And another request if you could share where those white beaded edged plates are from? So love them!!

    Reply
  55. GlassesShop says:
    May 17, 2016 at 3:51 am

    like your diy

    Reply
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  64. meal5 says:
    May 17, 2017 at 3:46 am

    Everything is so very warm!

    Reply
  65. MEAl5 says:
    September 25, 2017 at 2:28 am

    ovely photos! The recipe sounds delish

    Reply
  66. Yumvilla says:
    October 18, 2017 at 1:53 pm

    so beautiful!

    Reply
  67. alan slimm says:
    December 6, 2017 at 2:36 am

    milk is something that give us so many good stuff. especially cheese.

    Reply
  68. V8web says:
    January 24, 2018 at 2:08 am

    Loving this post too!

    Reply
  69. heydaywebsites says:
    January 30, 2018 at 7:35 am

    So love them!!

    Reply
  70. Rochester Website Developers says:
    February 21, 2018 at 4:14 am

    Wow what a delightful celebration!

    Reply

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Popular Posts

Chocolate-Dipped Pistachio Shortbread + A Giveaway
gathering from scratch: a workshop retreat pt. 2
white chocolate ricotta cheesecake
white chocolate ricotta cheesecake
cardamom + rose iced latte / japanese ice coffee
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