Mint Julep Kisses

These are required by my two besties (Heather and Shannon) for all occasions. They both put them as their favorite cookie I make - so clearly it must be.

Mint Julep Kisses
From Kentucky Derby Museum Cookbook
Yields 6 dozen

Ingredients:
4 Each egg white stiffly beaten
1 1/2 Cup sugar, white
1 Teaspoon extract, peppermint
6 Drops food coloring, green or another color if desired
12 Ounce(wt)s chocolate, baking, bittersweet chopped

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Beat egg whites until stiff, gradually adding sugar. Add peppermint extract and food coloring. Stir in chocolate bits.

Drop by spoonfuls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Put in preheated oven and turn off immediately. Leave in oven overnight or for several hours. Store in an airtight tin box.

Chef's Note: For the chocolate, I grate it with a cheese grater or I pulverized it in a food processor. In a food processor, you will end up with some chocolate "dust," but add it to the batter - it only makes them more chocolatey. If you prefer, you can use mini chocolate chips.