Hearty Lentil Soup

1/2 lb. ground Italian or sage sausage
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup grated carrots
1 garlic clove, minced
6 cups chicken broth
1 28-oz can crushed or diced tomatoes
3/4 cup dry lentils
3/4 cup pearl barley
1/2 tsp each dried thyme, oregano & rosemary
1/4 tsp pepper
1 cup shredded Swiss or parmesan (opt.)
1/2 cup half & half (opt.)

In large pot, break up sausage and brown with the next 4 ingredients. Drain grease. Add next 6 ingredients and boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 45 minutes or until lentils and barley are tender.

Optional: Turn off heat and stir in half & half and salt to taste. Sprinkle with cheese.