[greglepore]

You can use higher heat if you stir constantly, low heat only if you're doing other things at the same time. It should be a little darker than peanut butter when done.

You did roast the drummies before you made the stock? Roasted bones are somewhat critical. I always have a frozen roast carcass or two in the freezer for this purpose.

I use tomatoes, I can of diced, drained.

Finally, the okra goes in just before its done, as a thickener, really. ten minutes or so most.

Epicurious.com is a pretty good resource for ideas, no need to strictly follow a recipe, but you can get some inspiration.