A Long Island business is hosting the first round of the North American Gelato Challenge.

GTI Designs, an ice cream equipment supplier in Ronkonkoma, is welcoming 12 chefs from across the country.

The gelatos will be judged by flavors, ingredients and textures.

A contestant from Center Moriches says her secret is to put a unique twist on the Italian treat.

"I'm making a red-skin peanut - there are special peanuts that are from Virginia," says Lindsay Verardo, of Licks Italian Gelato. "So, for me, I wanted to represent something American in a competition that is very Italian."

The winners will go on to the next stage of the Gelato Festival World Masters, which will take place in Los Angeles, in September.