Travel, Art, Food & Italian Inspiration

Rett Syndrome Awareness Month

Julie Jurden

As October arrives, most of us begin thinking about the fast approaching holidays. It’s the time of year when we look forward to sharing our precious time with family and friends, and enjoying the traditions and festivities of the season.
Additionally, it’s a time of year where many of us want to extend our generosity beyond traditional gifts through the giving of our time and money to those causes that have special meaning to us, for whatever reasons.

For us, October carries a great importance because it’s Rett syndrome awareness month.

What’s the significance to us? Because, it was just 23 years ago when our family first met a wonderful young lady named Bea. Ever since that introduction, she’s been a blessing in our lives along with her parents, grandparents, and sister.

If you’re not familiar with Rett syndrome, it’s a rare non-inherited genetic postnatal neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in girls and begins to show its effects in infancy or early childhood. It can often be misdiagnosed as autism or cerebral palsy, because it causes problems in brain function that are responsible for cognitive, sensory, emotional, motor, and autonomic function. These can then impact learning, speech, sensory sensations, mood, movement, breathing, cardiac function, and even chewing, swallowing, and digestion.

As one can imagine, Rett syndrome can present numerous challenges to those living with the disease, as well as those caring for them. But with therapy, assistance, and endless amounts of unconditional love, every single one of them can benefit greatly by participating in typical life activities like school, social, educational, and recreational programs. Even our Bea was able to attend her first prom like any other young girl her age.

Years ago we made the decision to do something to not only help raise awareness about Rett syndrome, but to raise funds for the incredible research underway.
 We continue each year to give 10% of all of our sales for a week in October to benefit Rett Syndrome research for years to come.

While we know our contribution is a very small one, we like to think that we’ve been a part of helping further research, and ultimately finding a cure for Rett syndrome.

The amazing news is that researchers have been making wonderful strides over the past several years. Their research strategy has yielded unprecedented results. If you’d like to learn more, visit www.rettsyndrome.org for ways you can support this important cause.

We are incredibly grateful to all of you for your continued support. Thank you on behalf of all of us, and most importantly, our lovely Bea and her family.

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Pumpkin Soup - A Fall Favorite

Julie Jurden
Zucca Soup Tureen
Who doesn't adore fall! All around the Modigliani offices, we are energized by the cooler temps and the unpacking of gorgeous new autumn-inspired patterns. If you entertain during this season, or just enjoy adding a seasonal touch to your family dinner table, this pumpkin soup is for you. We recommend serving this soup in our Zucca Soup Tureen with some warm crusty bread.
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
 
A simple, 7 ingredient pumpkin soup that's savory and made completely from scratch! Healthy, satisfying, and perfect for chillier weather.
Author: 
Recipe type: Soup
Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten Free
Serves: 3-4
INGREDIENTS
SOUP
  • 2 sugar pumpkins (~2 1/4 cups (450 g) pumpkin puree)
  • 2 shallots, diced (~1/4 cup or 40 g)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (1 1/2 Tbsp or 9 g)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) light coconut milk (or sub other non-dairy milk with varied results)
  • 2 Tbsp (30 ml) maple syrup or agave nectar (or honey if not vegan)
  • 1/4 tsp each sea salt, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg
GARLIC KALE SESAME TOPPING (optional)
  • 1 cup (67 g) roughly chopped kale
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 2 Tbsp (18 g) raw sesame seeds
  • 1 Tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • pinch salt
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Using a sharp knife, cut off the tops of two sugar pumpkins and then halve them. Use a sharp spoon to scrape out all of the seeds and strings (see notes for a link to roasting seeds).
  3. Brush the flesh with oil and place face down on the baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a fork easily pierces the skin. Remove from the oven, let cool for 10 minutes, then peel away skin and set pumpkin aside.
  4. To a large saucepan over medium heat add 1 Tbsp olive oil, shallot and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly browned and translucent. Turn down heat if cooking too quickly.
  5. Add remaining ingredients, including the pumpkin, and bring to a simmer.
  6. Transfer soup mixture to a blender or use an emulsion blender to puree the soup. If using a blender, place a towel over the top of the lid before mixing to avoid any accidents. Pour mixture back into pot.
  7. Continue cooking over medium-low heat for 5-10 minutes and taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve as is or with Kale-Sesame topping.
  8. For the Kale-Sesame topping: In a small skillet over medium heat, dry toast sesame seeds for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until slightly golden brown. Be careful as they can burn quickly. Remove from pan and set aside.
  9. To the still hot pan, add olive oil and garlic and sauté until golden brown - about 2 minutes. Add kale and toss, then add a pinch of salt and cover to steam. Cook for another few minutes until kale is wilted and then add sesame seeds back in. Toss to coat and set aside for topping soup.
  10. Recipe serves 3-4. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to a few days, and in the freezer for up to a month or more.
NOTES: 
*Nutrition information reflects 1 of 4 servings with kale-sesame topping.
* Pumpkin roasting instructions from Oh She Glows.
* If you’re feeling ambitious, here's how to roast your pumpkin seeds.

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A Celebration with Taormina

A Celebration with Taormina

Julie Jurden
When designing a new pattern, the customer experience always comes to mind. We often imagine the product, placed around the table, surrounded by your friends and family, and experiencing La Grande Vita.

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