On August 18, 2008 Better Recipes and Better.tv launched their first ever video contest to find America's Next Cooking Celebrity. After reviewing the entries, judges picked Rob Barrett and Kristina Vanni as finalists.

Rob and Kristina brought their game faces to Des Moines, Iowa to face off in the world renowned Better Homes and Gardens Test Kitchen. They both prepared an original recipe in an attempt to win over the judges and be selected as America’s Next Cooking Celebrity. Rob prepared Red Pepper and Sausage Pasta. This pasta toss is quick to make and has a perfect balance of robust flavors. Kristina cooked up Cranberry-Topped Roasted Salmon with Herbed Mashed Potatoes-a great recipe for last-minute dinner parties. The mashed potatoes can be whipped up while the salmon bakes.

After trying both recipes and an intense deliberation, the judges were ready to announce the winner. Rob Barrett and his Red Pepper and Sausage Pasta won over the judges to be come the first ever America’s Next Cooking Celebrity.

Try Rob's Recipes:

Leftover Calzones

Red Pepper and Sausage Pasta

Kristina's Recipes

Cranberry Topped Roasted Salmon with Herbed Mashed Potatoes

Rosemary Steaks with Pear Nectar Sauce