okay so for those that want to try to make a chicken and sausage gumbo...
for first time i would suggest just buying a jar of roux (http://www.karysroux.com/products.html) instead of trying to make your own roux
you will need a really big stock pot (i've only ever used a 14 qt magnalite) fill to just shy of half w/ water. Bring to boil. Add roux. Stirring constantly until all roux is dissolved. You should end up with a really dark brown color. no i don't know water to roux ratio. Just keep adding roux until you get the right color. the more roux you use, the dark and thicker your gumbo will be. once all roux is dissolved and color/thickness is right, season with salt and pepper...i use tony chachere to season (http://www.tonychachere.com/). oh and after i add my roux to boiling water, while that is going, i brown the cut up chicken (that is also seasoned w/ tony's) and the smoked sausage (it's not easy finding real cajun smoked sausage outside of louisiana but if you can, it makes a huge difference). you just want to sear it not really cook it long time. then add in the meat and chopped onions, green bell peppers, garlic, celery (if u are one of those ppl, i'm not). Now you just sit back and let it boil on low for about an hour, stirring occasionally. be careful not to leave it alone too long or on too high or it can quickly boil over. it will thicken and darken the longer you cook it. about 15 min before it is finished, i add in green onion tops. Also if you are feeling really adventurous and want to go all cajun, in last 15 min, turn up on high and bring to boil and add in a few eggs. being really careful when u crack them and drop slowly into boiling gumbo so the egg stays mostly together and doesn't break apart. serve over cooked rice in bowl. i always have with a potato salad on the side, some cajuns put scoop of potato salad in bowl w/ gumbo. oh and if you have gumbo filé, i always sprinkle a bit on top of my bowl. bon appetit mon ami. XD