Looking for a new way to treat some leftovers, Margaret Thompson of Chicago, an innovative cook, decided to use chop suey as a filling for a French-style chicken roll. The dish was such a success that she went one step further and concocted a delicious Oriental-style filling of her own. Buttermilk baking mix gives the chicken an extra-crunchy coating, topped by a sauce quickly made from apricot preserves. To round out the menu, Mrs. Thompson serves crisp Chinese noodles or steamed rice, cabbage slaw with an oil-vinegar dressing, fruit compote with Chinese almond cookies and tea.

Place chicken between pieces of waxed paper and with a mallet or broad side of a cleaver, pound thin. Dredge in baking mix; set chicken and baking mix aside.

In large skillet, saute onions in oil until tender. Add shrimp, water chestnuts, bean sprouts, soy sauce and bouillon; cook and stir until shrimp are opaque.

Add cornstarch mixture; cook and stir until thickened.

Place 2 tablespoons filling at one end of each breast half; roll up and secure with toothpicks. Dip in egg mixture; roll in remaining baking mix.

Heat oil in fryer to 400~F. Fry rolls 2 at a time 10 minutes or until golden brown. Drain; keep warm in 300~ oven until serving time. Serve with Sweet-sour Apricot Sauce.

ahead. Refrigerate until ready to use. Sauce keeps refrigerated at least one month.

Sauce Combine all ingredients in small saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Makes about 2/3 cup.