FUSION: What is this?

I do not know the history of the granola/protein/health bar movement. All I know is that our bookstore stopped carrying the Clif Nectar bars with chocolate in them, and I needed a substitute. Here is one that made me happy, based on a recipe I found at Imagelicious.

1/2 cup pitted prunes
1/2 cup pitted dates
1 cup pecan meal
1/2 cup cocoa powder
3 TBSP maple syrup

Mix together in a very sturdy food processor. Press flat in a baking pan and cut into bars. Eat. Chill whatever leftovers you may have (at our house, they are very few).

NORTH AMERICAN: Pride of Iowa Cookies

My mom has been making these cookies for as long as I can remember. Enjoy.

2 eggs, beaten
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 cup margarine
1 cup pecan meal
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp salt
as many chocolate chips as you like–I dump in the whole bag
3 cups quick cooking oatmeal

Mix together everything except the oatmeal. Then add the oatmeal and mix thoroughly. Roll into small balls the size of walnuts. Bake at 375 for 9-10 minutes or until light brown.