Line baking sheets with brown paper. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Add sugar gradually, then vanilla; beat until stiff peaks form. Fold in pecans and rice cereal. Drop 1 tbsp batter at a time 2 inches apart onto prepared baking hseets. Bake in a 325 F oven for 20 minute or until firm. Turn off oven and leave cookies in for 1/2 hour longer to dry. Remove from the oven and cool. Peel cookies from paper when cooled. Makes 18 cookies.