Recipes

1. For the crema, combine all the ingredients in the work bowl of a food processor and pulse until smooth, tasting to adjust seasonings as needed. Scrape into a bowl, cover, and refrigerate. Bring mixture to room temperature to serve.
2. For the chicken, combine the buttermilk and garlic in a sealable plastic bag. Add the chicken and refrigerate 30 minutes or overnight. Remove from bag, shake excess liquid off and lay chicken flat on parchment paper. Combine the panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese, set aside. Preheat oven to 450F.
3. For the filling, blend ricotta with parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, and zest. Divide filling among chicken, spreading to just before the edges. Beginning at the narrow end of the chicken, roll up to enclose the filling. Tie with kitchen string at 1-inch intervals to secure or skewer with wood picks in several places.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy, oven-proof skillet over medium-high. Add chicken roulades and cook until brown on all sides, about 8 minutes. Using a high heat spatula brush tops of roulades with mayonnaise. Using tongs, top each with the of Parmesan and Panko mixture. Carefully transfer pan to the oven to bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of roulades registers 160F, 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes. Slice each on an angle and arrange medallions on servings plates. Drizzle with crema and garnish with parsley and lemon zest.

Time-saver tips:

• Make the avocado crema the day before.
• Marinate the chicken in the buttermilk overnight.
• Filling can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring to room temperature before stuffing.

The versatility of dairy

Buttermilk: Can be used as a leavening agent in baked goods and to make lighter pancakes; also its lactic acid helps tenderizes meats and encourages moist texture.

Sour cream: Use as a tangy topping for tacos, potatoes and soups. It makes a thick base for salad dressings and dips, and can be added to batters and doughs.

Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle grated cheese on pasta, fold into risotto, toss with salad greens. Drizzle with honey and add to a cheese board. Simmer the rind in slow-cooked soups.

Ricotta: A component of sweet and savory dishes, its texture can take on a variety of flavors. Use as a thickener for creamy sauces or as spread on multi-grain bread.