15 Bean Soup

I L-O-V-E this soup...it's been probably 10-12 years since I had it...I've never made it before today and I guess the last time I ate it I was living at home.  With the upcoming Winter Storm I thought it'd be a warm, comforting meal to have.

You need:
1 package of 15 Bean Soup Mix (found in dry beans section)...they have regular or cajun
1 pound of Ham or Smoked Sausage (I used sausage)
1 cup onion, chopped
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
1 tsp chili powder
juice of 1 lemon
1-2 cloves garlic, minced

The night before, cover your beans and let them sit overnight (remove the flavor packet).  Once the beans have soaked for at least 8 hours, drain and return to pot.  Cover with 2 quarts water and meat (I went ahead and sliced up the sausage and browned it on both sides). Bring to a  boil.  Reduce heat and let simmer for 2 and a half hours.  After simmering add tomatoes, onion, chili powder, lemon juice, and garlic cloves. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes.  A few minutes before serving add the ham flavor packet and salt and pepper to taste.  This is amazing with cornbread!  Nothing better on a cold, snowy day!