Preheat oven to 275 degrees F. Line a 12x17 inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Put 3 cups of the oats in a large bowl. Grind the remaining half cup of oats and the flax in a mini processor or old coffee mill. Add the ground mixture to the oats. Add the seeds and salt and stir well, then stir in all the nuts.

Put the brown sugar and water in a large microwave-safe measuring cup and heat on high just until it begins to boil. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then stir in the vanilla. Pour the mixture over the oats and stir until well blended.

Empty the mixture onto the baking sheet and press it down flat as if you were making a giant granola bar. Bake for 45 minutes, checking after 20 minutes or so to make sure granola is cooking slowly and edges aren’t burning. During the 20 minute check, Use a spatula or scraper to lift and flip the granola from the edges and push it towards the center. In other words, break it up a little, but leave it in big chunks.

Check granola at 45 minutes and if it appears to have browned somewhat, go ahead and take it out. If not, leave it in for another 10-15 minutes. Granola will not be crunchy until it is completely cool, so let it cool on the baking sheet. Once cool and crisp, toss with the dried fruit.