Barley Risotto with Asparagus, Cider, and Goat Cheese

Risotto with Polish pearl barley is much simpler to prepare than the classic Italian version with rice. You do not need to stir the pot constantly like an Italian grandma, watching to see if another cup of broth is needed. Instead, you simply cook barley in a saucepan (you can even make it a day or two ahead), and use it to prepare a fast, comforting, light dish in around 10 minutes. This kaszotto is full of spring asparagus, complemented perfectly by dry apple cider, which is a grea