Merry Elf Hats

1. 1

   In a medium mixing bowl allow egg whites to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, grease a cookie sheet; set aside.

2. 2

   Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

3. 3

   Add vanilla, cream of tartar, and food coloring to the egg whites. Beat whites at medium speed until soft peaks form.

4. 4

   Add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating about 5 minutes on high speed until stiff peaks form.

5. 5

   Spoon meringue into pastry bag fitted with 1/2-inch round tip. Pipe small 1-inch-high mounds that end in an angled tip about 1 inch apart on prepared sheet.

6. 6

   Bake about 15 minutes or until edges are very lightly browned. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool.

7. 7

   When cookies are cool, dip bottoms into melted chocolate, then into chopped nuts.

8. 8

   Set on waxed paper until chocolate is firm.

9. 9

   If desired, add a dot of colored icing to each tip.

No additional tips available.