Italy

Grains
Rice- Italy being the largest rice producer in Europe. Although the Italians do not eat much of it, Italy is still famous for its risotto and varieties of other rice developed for this purpose.
Barley- A grass that produces an edible grain, commonly used in a lot of soups.

Pastas
Fettuccini- Long ribbon shaped pasta that is well known for being used in “Fettuccini Alfredo.”
Spaghetti- Long, thin, cylindrical shaped pasta used in a variety of dishes in Italy.

Creamy Asparagus Risotto
2-1/2 pounds asparagus, trimmed, tips cut off and reserved
Salt
8 cups chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 medium shallots, minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3-1/2 cups arborio rice (1 pound)
3/4 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (3 ounces)
Freshly ground pepper
Directions:
1. Cook the asparagus tips in a medium saucepan of boiling salted water until just tender, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tips to a colander and rinse in cold water; drain well. 2. Break the asparagus stalks in half. Add them to the boiling water and cook until very tender, about 10 minutes. Reserve 1/3 cup of the cooking water, then drain the stalks. Puree the stalks with the reserved cooking water in a food processor. Using a rubber spatula, work the puree through a coarse sieve; you should have about 2 cups. 3. In a medium saucepan, bring the stock to a simmer. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large, heavy saucepan. Add the shallots and cook over low heat, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until softened but not browned, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until the shallots are lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add the rice and stir over moderate heat to coat the grains with the oil. Pour in the wine and continue stirring until the wine is almost evaporated, about 2 minutes. 4. Add 1 cup of the hot stock and stir constantly until almost absorbed. Continue adding the stock, 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly until it is absorbed before adding more. When the rice is almost tender, after about 15 minutes, add the asparagus puree. Continue to cook,