Healthy Bites-Crispy Quinoa Cookies (wheat free)

My friend had these amazing, healthy cookies on her desk this morning and I could not believe how good yet nutritious they were. I am not sure if you are familiar with quinoa. It is my new favorite grain. It is wheat and gluten free yet packed with protein and minerals like calcium and iron. It is easy and quick to make which is also a nice benefit. I bought the quinoa flakes for this recipe at Fred Meyer. Enjoy!

1/2 c honey
1/3 c brown sugar ( I use the fair trade organic raw version-also at Fred Meyer)
1/2 c margarine ( 1 stick)
1/2 c peanut butter
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 c rice flour
3/4 c quinoa flakes (comes in a box in the breakfast area-check the organic section)
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt (optional)
1/2 c nuts (optional)

Heat oven to 350. Beat honey, brown sugar, margarine, peanut butter, and vanilla in a medium bowl until creamy. Combine rice flour, quinoa flakes, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. Add to mixture and beat until well blended. If desired add nuts. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto a greased baking sheet. Bake 12-15 minutes, until light, golden brown. Cool one minute before removing from cookie sheet. Yield about 3 dozen cookies!