It’s Sunday and I’m about to get real.
Growing up, I loved the sun. . I laid out and perfected my tan like no one’s business. As a kid and teen, I was pretty dark and loved it. What was it all about back then? Wanting to be tanned skinned and thinking the sun was my friend. I think at one point in my life I was even slathering on the sun tan lotion (instead of sun block) and just laying there for like hours. Seeing that extreme tan line (so I could see how much darker I had gotten) was a thrill and I loved it.
Fast forward several years later. . I’m older. I never lay out. The sun is not my friend. My complexion has always been okay, especially after college. . I did have pretty bad acne as a teen but not so bad that it didn’t go away .. anyway, last year, maybe like 6 months after moving to Wisconsin, I noticed some spots on my face. Sun spots. Sun spots that even my best concealer couldn’t cover-up. After a visit to the dermatologist, I learned that they are the result of all of those years of laying out. . the pigment is now rising to the surface and showing it’s ugly face.
So, on Wednesday, I’m going under. Under a laser and having these dark spots removed. I have one on each cheek, right smack dab in the center of my cheeks. Am I scared? Hell yes. Am I praying everyday that things go smoothly? Hell yes.
So, my PSA for the week for you young ladies out there .. the sun is not your friend, there are other ways to get nice tanned skin. . and for God sakes, wear sun block. Like everyday. On your face. Everyday when you go out. Regardless if there’s a lot of sun out. Now, whenever I’m out in the sun, I wear a hat or something. This could just be me but I’d love to hear your thoughts on the sun and your skin.
They say the winter time is the best time to have work like this done. Because you shouldn’t go out in the sun after laser work like this so your face has time to heal and I’ve been told that the spots will get darker before they get lighter and then they just flake right off. And the staying in part? I can totally do. Because it’s freaking cold.
That’s where this glorious soup comes in. Chinese Egg Drop Soup. Simple, delicious and filling. I was planning on sharing this last week but things got a little crazy.
This is one of my favorite Asian soups to make. . and it’s SO EASY to make. Like ridiculously easy. I’ve been making egg drop soup every week for the past month. I also like to add rotisserie chicken or rice to make it even more hearty. If you follow me on Instagram, you might remember me sharing this glorious cast iron cookware! Did you know KitchenAid makes cast iron cookware?! You need to check it out!
So head on over to The Kitchenthusiast to read my post and to get this complete recipe!! I hope you check out my version!
And please send happy thoughts to me for Wednesday!
Chinese Egg Drop Soup
Ingredients
- 5 cups chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 eggs lightly beaten
- 1 to 2 cups tofu cubed
- 2 green onions diced
Instructions
- Using your KitchenAid® Cast Iron Cookware over high heat, bring your chicken stock, grated ginger and soy sauce to a boil. In a small bowl or cup, mix together a few tablespoons of the chicken stock from your KitchenAid® Cast Iron Cookware with the cornstarch until blended together and there are no more lumps.
- Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the chicken stock and stir until dissolved and the stock has thickened a bit. Turn the heat to a low simmer and then slowly pour in your beaten eggs, while stirring your soup in one direction. Add in the tofu, turn off the heat and add in the green onions. Taste and add a touch more soy sauce if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy.
For the complete recipe, please visit The Kitchenthusiast, the KitchenAid blog.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, as part of my partnership with KitchenAid. All opinions expressed here are 100% my own.
Mariah @ Mariah's Pleasing Plates says
February 22, 2015 at 1:19 amOh goodness, that is so scary Alice! I hope everything goes okay and you will be in my prayers. You’ve got me thinking that I need to take my sunscreen routine a little more seriously.
hipfoodiemom says
February 22, 2015 at 7:10 amThank you Mariah. . yes, sun screen is so important!! Wear it everyday!! Thank you so much!
Leslie W says
February 22, 2015 at 1:32 amI like you spent my youth as a “sun-worshiper” long before we knew how bad that was for you. Sending good thoughts your way Wednesday! I also love egg drop soup thanks for the recipe. & oh my I love your red spoons – where can I find them?
hipfoodiemom says
February 22, 2015 at 7:09 amHi Leslie! Thank you!! I got them at Pier One. . but a couple years ago . .
Kelly says
February 22, 2015 at 1:09 pmI was the same way and loved sitting out in the sun when I was younger too 🙁 Wishing you lots of good luck Alice! Will be sending you all my best thoughts on Wednesday that everything is okay and things go smoothly! And this egg drop soup looks fantastic! I love how simple and delicious it is and all of your add-ins sound wonderful!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes) says
February 22, 2015 at 3:15 pmI love easy soups like this that are delicious and don’t take a ton of time to make. I also love to lay out in the sun but I am trying to do less of that lately as well.
Zainab says
February 22, 2015 at 5:05 pmIve never been a fan of the sun and glad I avoided it most of the time. Hope the procedure goes well dear!
Jessica @ Jessica in the Kitchen says
February 23, 2015 at 1:09 amLiving in two different tropical islands all my life you’d think I would’ve gotten used to the sun by now…nope! Just today at a 5K I did all I could to get out it – still came back with a “tan”. Ah! But I agree, sun block all the way. Loving how gorgeous this egg drop soup looks! And not to digress, I know I’ve been away way too long but you changed your blog picture right? It’s SO gorgeous!!!! Seriously I really do love it!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
February 23, 2015 at 1:48 amArgh, Alice- That is so scary- Wishing you all the best with it all! I’m naturally tanned so never wore suncream when I was in the sun claiming I was immune to it- Not anymore!
I ate this soup as an appetiser for CNY dinner the other night and I’m craving another bowl now!
Joanne says
February 23, 2015 at 6:16 amGood luck with your procedure! My mom always ruled with an iron clad fist, especially when it came to sunscreen! I think it’s been permanently ingrained in me to use it any time I’m going to be outside for over 30 minutes.
This soup is totally what I need…it has been AWFUL here lately. But this is majorly slurpable.
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
February 23, 2015 at 7:17 amI used to LIVE for egg drop soup. I would order it every time we went out to eat (even if I didn’t get anything else). I’m pretty sure I just went to get the egg drop soup. And all this time, I never really knew what was in it! Love this homemade recipe 🙂
Sarah@Whole and Heavenly Oven says
February 23, 2015 at 7:36 amYikes! I will admit to the occasional laying-out in the summer ‘thang. The thing with me though, is that I do NOT tan easily and when I do, it’s usually um, more red than tan. LOL. Good luck with Wednesday, though! HUGS!
And this soup? Um, I am obsessed! I’ve always wanted to try egg drop soup at home, and I think you just convinced me!
Aida@TheCraftingFoodie says
February 23, 2015 at 8:53 amAlice,
As a child and teen, I played sports extensively, so was always out in the sun and tan. I loved it, but my dad is an oncologist, and he insisted we wear sunscreen and never lay out in the sun. As an adult, I’m so grateful! Wishing you the best with your procedure 🙂
Tori@Gringalicious.com says
February 23, 2015 at 9:29 amI’ve always wanted to try this at home! It looks like the perfect recipe, Alice!
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says
February 23, 2015 at 9:39 amGood luck, Alice! I was much like you when I was younger and I too have an ugly spot on my cheek. So far it’s just the one and it’s low so I’m not concerned with removing it. The sun is evil and I try to avoid it at all cost now. This soup looks better than from a restaurant. I know what I need to make this week!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spicea says
February 23, 2015 at 9:45 amGood luck, Alice! Thinking of you! This egg drop soup looks perfect! It’s one of my favorites, though I never think to make it at home. Love this!
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says
February 23, 2015 at 10:24 amThis soup looks delicious! I’ve always wanted to try egg drop soup! Good luck with your procedure – hope it goes well, lovely! 😀
Cailee says
February 23, 2015 at 10:42 amYUM! This looks so good!! Good luck with the sun spots lasers!! I hope that everything goes smoothly! This soup is sure to comfort! 🙂
Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch says
February 23, 2015 at 11:03 amOh this soup…such an all time favorite! I can’t wait to try your recipe! Delicious!
I can definitely relate to this Alice. In my youth I didn’t protect my skin from the sun – I thought my fair skin would get a bronze tan – uh, no. I will be thinking about you and know you will do wonderfully!
Take care!
Robyn
xo
Shinee says
February 23, 2015 at 12:35 pmUnlike you, growing up I hated to get tanned. Back then, and probably even now in Mongolia, it was cool to be as “white” as you can be, so all the kids would shy away from playing in the sun. Cultural differences. 🙂
Anyhow, wish you good luck with your procedure, Alice. I’m sure all will go well.
And this soup is winner, can’t wait to make it soon.
Maryanne @ the little epicurean says
February 23, 2015 at 12:42 pmI’ve always been afraid of the sun. While my friends would lay out and tan during the summer, I’d be hiding under a hat under a giant umbrella. I could never tan, my skin would just burn and peel no matter how much sunscreen I’d apply.
Good luck with your procedure! I hope it all goes well! And this soup looks absolutely delicious! The ingredients reminds of me a soup my mom used to make me! 🙂
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
February 23, 2015 at 1:21 pmI’ll be thinking of you on Wednesday, Alice. Don’t worry – everything will go well. Great advice about sun protection.
Gorgeous soup, too. One of my absolute favorites!!
xoxo
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
February 23, 2015 at 1:24 pmWait – egg drop soup can be made with 7 ingredients? Alice – this is marvelous!
I hope everything goes well with your laser treatments – as much as I love the heat the Sun brings, big hats have always been my friends.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
February 23, 2015 at 1:33 pmSending lots of positive thoughts your way. I used to be the same when I was younger, but now I avoid the sun as much as possible.
marcie says
February 23, 2015 at 1:37 pmI’m so with you…I used to lay out like crazy when I was younger. It was all about how dark we could get! I keep my face out of the sun at all costs these days as I don’t need anymore wrinkles. 🙂 This soup would be perfect for the chill in the air here — I’m loving the sound of this!
Karen+@+The+Food+Charlatan says
February 23, 2015 at 2:58 pmI’m white as white can be, with a splash of red too, just to mock me, haha! I was a lifeguard when I was a teenager and I piled on that sunscreen. I never got as tan as my friends, but I think mostly that’s just the way my skin is. 2 years ago I went to see a dermatologist for the first time and he found melanoma on my back. Yiiikes. Had nothing to do with sun exposure, but still, it makes you more careful! Good luck with the lasering Alice, I’m sure it will go fine! PS I LOVE egg drop soup!
Sarah says
February 23, 2015 at 4:44 pmThis egg drop soup looks delicious! My family loves ordering egg-drop soup when we eat at Chinese restaurants.
I hope everything goes well for you with the skin spots. *fingers crossed* I will take your advice about wearing sunscreen!
Erin | The Law Student's Wife says
February 23, 2015 at 4:55 pmOh Alice, I hope it goes well! I used to spend so much time in the sun too, and even though I still love it, you are absolutely right—you have to be SO careful. Hang in there! Thoughts and good vibes coming your way.
mira says
February 23, 2015 at 5:39 pmOmg Alice, I hope everything goes well on Wednesday! Thanks for sharing your story, this makes me be more careful with the sun (I tend to forget to put sunscreen on pretty often!).
This soup looks hearty and delicious, I love egg drop soup and will definitely try your recipe!
Take care! <3
Barbara Dougherty says
February 23, 2015 at 7:17 pmI hope everything goes well. I know all about the sun. :/ Florida girl here.
not a fan of tofu, can i leave it out??
hipfoodiemom says
February 23, 2015 at 7:39 pmHi Barbara, thank you!! Yes, you can absolutely omit the tofu. You can also add in (already cooked) rotisserie chicken or rice instead. I hope you try this! It’s delicious!
Rachelle says
February 23, 2015 at 8:10 pmI didn’t even bother with lotion. I slicked myself all up with the baby oil. I have been careful for a long time and even my daily moisturizer has at least SPF 15. Now I know where those spots came from. Shame on the younger me! Best of luck for your procedure. I’ll be thinking about you!
Allie | Baking a Moment says
February 23, 2015 at 8:18 pmDon’t worry Alice- lasering spots off is not a big deal at all! I’ve had it done on my freckly face before and it was a snap. You’ll be fine and your friend is right- they scab up after a day and flake right off after another couple days. You’ll do great! And this soup looks so comforting and delish- heading right over to grab the recipe now 😉
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
February 23, 2015 at 8:58 pmI could never tan because I am SO white, I just burn like crazy. I’ll be thinking of you!
Julie | This Gal Cooks says
February 23, 2015 at 9:32 pmI hit the tanning beds a few times in my younger days. Funny because I live in FL, the SUNSHINE state, but it was quicker to use the tanning bed than lay out for hours, which was just something this impatient gal could not deal with! BUT, I totally regret the few times that I did use the tanning bed. I don’t have any sun spots on my face but I do have them on my shoulders, chest and I even have a wrinkle spot on my chest (in the higher up area so a shirt doesn’t always conceal it) in an area that used to get so irritated after laying in those tanning beds! Couldn’t agree with you enough – laying out, don’t do it!
BUT, eating egg drop soup, DO IT! I just love egg drop soup and I’m such a horrible fan of it because I have not had it in ages. Why not? Well, no more excuses. I just need to make your recipe now! LOVE it, Alice!
Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits says
February 24, 2015 at 11:21 amMy sisters have lectured me at a young age that I should wear sunblock ALL the time! I got so scared by their warnings that I’ve been wearing SPF moisturizer since I was a teenager!
Can you believe that I’ve never made egg drop soup before?? That might need to change, right?
hipfoodiemom says
February 24, 2015 at 10:48 pmLisa, you SO need to make this!! and tell your sisters thank you for the great advice!
Lindsey+@+American+Heritage+Cooking says
February 25, 2015 at 7:33 pmGood luck with your laser spot removal. I will be praying for you! I wear sunscreen everyday for this very reason. So very paranoid 🙂 LOVE this soup. This is one of my favorite soups! Such comfort food! Pinned!
Kathleen | HapaNom says
February 27, 2015 at 7:06 amHi Alice. Egg Drop soup is one of my all-time favorites, and you’re looks incredible – your egg wisps look absolutely perfect! I tanned a lot when I was young too – so silly! I hide from the sun now, but I too have a good sized sun spot right on the side of my cheek. Fortunately it’s close enough to my ear, that I don’t have to really look at it 😉 I hope all goes well with your procedure – I’ll be thinking of you! Hope you get some good cooking in during you ‘down-time’ 🙂
Naomi Teeter says
March 8, 2015 at 8:51 amThanks so much for sharing your sun bathing experience! I’m sure we can all learn from it! I came for the egg drop soup, but got so much more. 😉