Food - Pasta or Pizza & Pairings Championship

Pizza and Pasta Makers Compete in Fair Competition

Non-professional pizza makers and pasta makers were in competition with each other in the Pasta or Pizza & Pairings competition judged Sunday, August 20, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Competitors were tasked with making either traditional round pizzas or pasta. Entries were judged on taste/flavor, appearance/presentation and story.

Renee Kowlessar of Des Moines won First and Second Place Overall and $400 total.

Alaina Ingebritson of Hubbard claimed third place and $100.

Complete results follow:

Pizza

1) Renee Kowlessar, Des Moines

2) Don Francois, Des Moines

3) Clarissa Ridgway, Johnston

Pasta

1) Alaina Ingebritson, Hubbard

2) Matthew Phoenix, Ankeny

3) Holly Houg, Urbandale

Dessert Pizza

1) Renee Kowlessar, Des Moines

2) Jacqueline Riekena, West Des Moines

3) Marsha Kephart, Carlisle

Dessert Pasta

1) Jacqueline Riekena, West Des Moines

2) Samantha Streff, Ankeny

3) Julie Petersen, Knoxville

Pasta/Pizza Partners (Pairings)

1) Renee Kowlessar, Des Moines

2) Sara Carlson, Des Moines

3) Matthew Phoenix, Ankeny

Overall Winners

1) Renee Kowlessar, Des Moines

2) Renee Kowlessar, Des Moines

3) Alaina Ingebritson, Hubbard

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There were 138 divisions, 695 classes and over 6,800 entries at this year’s Fair. Food Department judging was held in the Elwell Family Food Center.