Muisjes

Muisjes are a traditional Dutch sandwich topping. While the name literally translates to "little mice", muisjes are actually small, round sprinkles made primarily of aniseed and sugar. They are typically used to celebrate the birth of a child in the Netherlands.

History

The tradition of using muisjes as a birth celebration dates back to the 17th century. The anise seeds were believed to have a medicinal effect, helping the new mother recover from childbirth. The muisjes were originally white or pink, but blue muisjes were introduced in the 20th century to represent the birth of a boy.

Production

Muisjes are produced by the Dutch company De Ruijter, which has been making them since 1860. The process involves coating anise seeds in a layer of sugar, then adding a second layer of colored sugar. The result is a small, round sprinkle with a distinctive anise flavor.

Usage

Muisjes are traditionally served on beschuit, a type of Dutch rusk, with a layer of butter to make them stick. They are typically served to visitors after the birth of a child, with pink muisjes representing a girl and blue muisjes representing a boy. However, they can also be used as a topping for other types of bread or pastries.

Cultural significance

The tradition of serving muisjes after a birth is deeply ingrained in Dutch culture. It is seen as a way of sharing the joy of a new arrival with friends and family. The Dutch royal family also participates in this tradition, with special orange muisjes produced to celebrate royal births.

See also

• Beschuit met muisjes
• De Ruijter
• Dutch cuisine