Merry Elf Hats

Directions

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.