Mint or Vanilla Meringues

I made these over the holidays this year and they were incredible! They are so much better then the ones you buy in the store. Just do not attempt to make them on a humid day.

Mint or Vanilla Meringues
by VIKKI BARKER

4 dozen
time to make 2½ hours 20 min prep
2 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon mint extract
3-6 drops green food coloring
green colored sprinkles (optional)

1. Heat oven to 200 degrees.
2. Grease 2 large cookie sheets, set aside.
3. Combine egg whites, cream of tarter, and salt in medium bowl.
4. Beat until foamy.
5. Add sugar 1 tbs at a time, beating until egg whites are very stiff and glossy and sugar is dissolved.
6. beat in mint extract and food color.
7. Fit a decorator bag with a large star tip.
8. spoon meringue into bag.
9. Pipe meringue in 1 inch puffs on prepared cookie sheets.
10. Sprinkle with colored sugar if desired.
11. Place cookie sheets on center rack of preheated oven.
12. Bake for 2 hours.
13. Remove from cookie sheet immediately, cool completely on wire racks.