Students will have through Halloween to submit doughnut ideas.
MONTCLAIR -- It is perhaps the tastiest form of school spirit yet.
Montclair State University has partnered with local bakery the Montclair Bread Company to run a contest that will create an official "Montclair State Doughnut." Through Halloween, the school is encouraging students to submit recipe ideas for doughnuts that represent the school.
"We've seen some really good ones," said Antonio Talamo, the coordinator of commuter student programs and services. There have been more than 100 entries so far.
Some stand-outs, he said, have been based off of the school's tagline, "it's all here," its mascot, Rocky, and, of course, contain flavors and ingredients that match the school's signature red color.
Once a panel of "doughnut experts" at the school and bakery chooses the winning recipe, Montclair Bread Company will add it to its menu from Nov. 28 through Dec. 2.
The secret to crafting a good and unique doughnut, according to Cori Naturale of the Montclair Bread Company, is to strike the right balance between ingenuity and flavor.
"We like things that are imaginative," she said. "(But), keep in mind that taste is really important. Sometimes crazy ideas don't translate well."
According to Talamo, the official school doughnut concept is a unique one among New Jersey colleges. Given the popularity it has had so far on the Montclair State campus, he said he would not be surprised if the idea spreads.
"We try to connect our students back to their school community," Talamo said. "This is a fun, light, delicious way to connect to campus."
Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.