Elf Hat Cookies ( Cookie Monster Birthday)

2 egg whites, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 teaspoon cream of tartar
3 drops of food coloring, your choice
2/3 cup sugar
6 ounces semisweet chocolate
2/3 cup finely chopped pecans or sprinkles
colored decorator icing

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. To egg whites,add vanilla,cream of tartar, and food coloring. Beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar,beating on high until stiff.
Spoon or pipe egg white mixture into small 1-inch high mounds with angled tips on greased cookie sheet. Place in preheated oven. After 1 minute, turn oven off, let coolies dry in oven about 1 hour. Let cool,then carefully remove to parchment or wax paper.. Melt chocolate over low heat in small heavy pan, stirring frequently. Dip bottom of cooled cookies into melted chocolate,then into chopped pecans or sprinkles. Top each meringue with a colored icing dot.
Yield: 50 cookies
Hugs, Ladyjen