Use muisjes (sugar-coated anise seeds) as a decorative topping on homemade chocolate treats if you have time to prepare them and can check the allergens in the finished treat. If you want to give each guest something to take away, choose a treat whose individual packaging and portion size you’ve checked. Muisjes are not a box of chocolates.
If you’re decorating chocolate-dipped biscuits, cupcakes or other bakes, you can use muisjes as a topping. Try them with your chosen chocolate first to see whether the anise flavour works, and allow time for preparation. Jumbo, for example, shares a recipe for chocolate-dipped sponge fingers topped with muisjes.
If you’re combining chocolate, biscuits and muisjes, check the ingredients of each component and of the finished treat. Make sure guests can easily access allergen information at an open buffet.
If you want to give each guest their own little package, check that the chocolate treat you choose is actually wrapped individually or in single portions. An open bowl decorated with muisjes won’t automatically do the job.
First decide whether you’re making something for the buffet or handing out individual treats. Then check all the ingredients and try the portion you’ve chosen in advance.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens | Check the latest label for every ingredient and keep a record of the allergens in the finished buffet item. | When I combine products to make a treat, I want to be able to tell guests what’s in it. Allergen information is the main concern for around 33% of consumers. |
| Presentation | Make one sample treat to check its colour, appearance and finish alongside the rest of the buffet. | I want the treat to suit the wedding decorations, not just stand out. Presentation is the deciding factor for around 25% of consumers. |
| Flavour and product type | Try the muisjes with your chosen chocolate and decide whether you want a topping or a treat in its own right. | If I’d rather hand out chocolate without an anise flavour, I’ll choose a different type of product. Around 25% of consumers put this choice of flavour and format first. |
| Number of portions | Count the finished treats per guest. For take-home treats, check how many individual packs you’ll get. | I want to prepare enough portions without trying to work out the number from the weight of a box. Around 17% of consumers put this planning first. |
Muisjes are sugar-coated anise seeds used as a topping. To make chocolate-dipped biscuits, you’ll also need biscuits and chocolate; Jumbo shows this combination in a recipe.
Before you shop, decide whether you’re making buffet treats yourself or handing out individual portions. If you’re making them, prepare a sample first.
Remember to allow for the chocolate base, any packaging and the time needed to prepare everything.
A treat made from several ingredients may contain allergens from the muisjes, chocolate and biscuits. The De Ruijter Feest Muisjes described by Jumbo contain wheat.
Check every ingredient in the recipe and make sure guests can access allergen information for the finished treat.
Pink-and-white or blue-and-white muisjes may remind guests of a new-baby celebration. The anise flavour also needs to work with the rest of the buffet.
Look at and taste a finished treat before choosing the colour and quantity for the whole buffet.
A brand of muisjes, including Feest Muisjes, pink-and-white, blue-and-white and crushed varieties, as shown by Albert Heijn and Jumbo.
A shop that stocks several varieties of De Ruijter muisjes.
A shop with information about De Ruijter muisjes and a recipe for chocolate-dipped sponge fingers topped with muisjes.
A shop that features products including De Ruijter Feest Muisjes and crushed muisjes.
These products suit two ways of serving treats: use muisjes as a topping on something you make yourself, or choose chocolate biscuits, cakes and dates that don’t need to be turned into a chocolate snack. Check whether each product’s packaging is suitable for handing out individually.
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A chocolate biscuit to consider if you’d rather not prepare a topping.
The pack contains 150 g. Before planning, check how many individual portions it contains and read the latest label for allergen information.
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A chocolate cake for anyone looking for a treat without homemade muisjes on top; these aren’t individual chocolates.
The pack contains 150 g. Check whether it’s portion-packed, how many portions it contains and what allergens are listed on the latest label.
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Blue-and-white muisjes for decorating a chocolate treat for your buffet, not for anyone looking for a ready-made box of chocolates.
The pack contains 330 g. Use a sample portion to work out how much you’ll need for each treat, and check the latest label for ingredients including wheat and gluten.
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A chocolate-covered date treat that doesn’t require you to decorate biscuits.
The pack contains 90 g. If every guest should be able to take one away, check whether the dates are individually wrapped, and read the label for allergen information.
No. De Ruijter Feest Muisjes are sugar-coated anise seeds that you can use as a topping. You’ll also need biscuits and chocolate to make chocolate-dipped biscuits.
The Feest Muisjes described by Jumbo contain wheat. Check the label on the variety you buy, and if you’re making a treat with several ingredients, check the allergens in the chocolate and the base as well.
Keep allergen information for every finished treat available so guests can check it before choosing. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that, for unpackaged food, this information is provided in a way other than on a packaging label.
Follow the storage instructions and use-by date on the pack of the variety you’ve chosen. Keep the muisjes somewhere dry and reseal an opened pack until you’re ready to use them.
