Preheat oven to 250(F) degrees.

Line cookie sheets with wax/parchment paper or foil.

Beat the egg whites in a large bowl until frothy. Add the salt and cream of tartar, continue beating until until soft peaks form.

Add sugar, gradually, to the egg white mixture and continue beating until it becomes glossy and firm peaks form.

Fold in orange zest if desired.

Pipe mixture onto cookie sheets and bake for 45 minutes. Turn off oven, leave it cracked. Let the meringues cool in the oven for about another 45 minutes.

Remove and place on a new sheet of wax paper.

Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave and dip half of the meringue into the chocolate and lay on the wax paper to dry.