In a large bowl, combine all the oats, nuts, seeds, etc except for the dried fruit (they will burn if you add them before baking). Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 300°.
In a saucepan, melt the butter, sugar, and water together.
Stir it well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Stir the salt and vanilla in then pour it over the oatmeal/nut mixture and stir until everything is moistened.
Spread the granola evenly on sheet pans with sides.
Bake for about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes or so. Bake until it is golden brown (be careful not to let it burn - it will harden up as it cools).
When finished, remove from the oven and allow it to cool on the pans.
When it is cool, break it up into small pieces and transfer it to an air-tight container.*Add the dry fruit when you put the granola in the canister.