Sausage Bean Soup

This is my original recipe.

1 - 16 oz. package dry mixed beans
1 qt. chicken stock
1 qt. water
1 can diced tomatoes
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. lemon pepper (I use this amazing pepper mix from Costco)
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. dry cilantro or 1/2 bunch fresh, chopped
1/2-1 lb. andouille sausage (I use organic chicken sausage)
1 onion, chopped
1 -2 c. chopped carrots
Shredded cheese (opt.)
Fresh cilantro, chopped

Rinse beans. Combine all ingredients except the cheese and reserved cilantro and simmer all afternoon (4 hours or so). Top each bowl with a little freshly grated cheese and cilantro. The house will smell amazing! It's great served with bread and salad.