Chocolate Dipped Cherry Meringues

Directions

Allow egg whites to come to room temperature in a large mixing bowl (about 30 minutes). Preheat oven to 225. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Add cream of tartar and salt to egg whites. Beat on high until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar to egg whites, 1 tablespoon at a time. Continue to beat on high speed until egg whites are glossy and have become stiff. Beat in cherry juice and enough food coloring until the meringues have the desired color.

Carefully scoop mixture into a piping bag fitted with a ½ inch star tip opening. Pipe meringue about 1 inch apart onto lined baking sheets.

Bake cookies for 60 minutes or until meringues are dry and firm to the touch. Turn the oven off and let meringues sit in the oven with the door closed for another hour or until completely cooled.

In a small microwave safe bowl, melt chocolate and shorting until smooth. Carefully dip bottoms of meringues into chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip down. Place meringues on baking sheet and allow chocolate to set completely.

Store meringues in an airtight container.