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| New baby visits and beschuit met muisjes is a company with a local service area. | |
A birth in the Netherlands calls for specific baking, and it differs by region.
Beschuit met muisjes
Rusk with butter and sugared aniseed, blue or pink. Offered to visitors coming to see the baby, and the custom is nationwide.
Why aniseed
Aniseed was thought good for milk production and seen as protective. The colours were only added in the twentieth century.
Sûkerbôle in Friesland
Sugar bread with coarse lumps, traditional at a birth. A whole loaf, not a slice.
Krentenwegge in Twente
A long currant loaf, over a metre, brought by family. The longer the greater the honour.
Maternity care
The Netherlands has maternity care at home, unique in Europe. The carer receives visitors and handles the rusk, and that belongs to the system.
Where to buy it
Supermarkets for the sprinkles, bakeries for the regional loaves.