I live in California, but went to college and graduate school on the east coast. During the nine years I spent back east, I was a big Dunkin' Donuts consumer.

There was one down the street from me every place that I lived. Oh, how I can nearly taste those maple-covered ones now! Alas, there are no locations near me right now, but from time to time we'll smuggle back donuts when we travel to those pink-and-orange states.

Between college and graduate school, I worked in a lab in Boston. My lab-mate and I went to Dunkin' Donuts every day as our mid-morning break. It was an excellent excuse to get away from the lab to get a tasty treat. Most of the time she got coffee and I got a bagel or an iced beverage. Once in awhile, we'd splurge and actually get a donut.

Imagine my surprise when a large Dunkin Donuts box arrived on my door this week. Inside the familiar pink and orange wrapping, I found a sprinkle-spinkler (how else to describe? It sprinkles the sprinkles!) along with a mini decorating kit and an apron.

It appears that Dunkin' Donuts is putting the decorating into the customer's hands.

Indeed, from now until April 7th, the public has the opportunity to "Create Dunkin's Next Donut" and win $12,000. While the initial stage of the contest is virtual, a dozen finalists (get it? a dozen) will be flown to Dunkin' Donuts' Canton, MA Headquarters for a bake-off. The grand prize winner will win $12,000 - to be revealed on National Donut Day - June 5th. (Nope, I didn't know there was a National Donut Day either.) The winning creation will be sold in Dunkin' Donut stores across the country.

My youngest son is estatic that we can dress up a donut both online and with our little decorating kit. My oldest son is allergic to the sprinkles, but fortunately the online version can be fun for anyone regardless of food sensitivities. My husband doesn't know it yet, but apparently there is a "blueberry cake" option for the dough. I bet that will be the base for the donut he creates.

I've shown my creation at top left: just a simple yeast dough with maple frosting, pink/orange sprinkles, and some Heath bar pieces.

Get out there and design your donut! Plus, if you happen to be near a Dunkin' Donuts location, check out their latest promotion: if you purchase a medium or large coffee, get a donut for 49 cents.