Combine all ingredients up to and including the bay leaf in a 4-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 6 hours. Remove and discard bay leaf. Cut tortillas into 1/4-inch-wide strips; place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 375° for 5 minutes. Stir strips, and bake 5 more minutes or until crips. Serve with soup, garnish with cilantro, if desired. Makes 10 cups.