To spend an afternoon in Spain is the lure designed by the coordinators of the 25th annual International Dinner, set for March 19 at the University of Mary in Bismarck.

Each year, the university sponsors a dinner featuring the cuisine of a different country as a fundraiser to help students studying abroad.

This year, Spain and its vibrant and earthy flavors will be in the spotlight, according to Valerie Kling, program director of the Modern Language Department and coordinator of the International Dinner.

"An Afternoon in Spain" features Spanish treats such as tapas, sangria, Spanish-flavor-infused pork chops and more, prepared by the university's kitchen staff from a menu designed by Kling.

The sampling begins at 5 p.m. with a social in the Blue Room featuring the little dishes or appetizers known as tapas, including torte de verduras (vegetables tarts), and gambas al ajillo (shrimp in garlic sauce), accompanied by a sangria blanca, a slightly sweet punch made with white wine, served in either alcoholic or nonalcoholic versions.

The dinner begins at 6 p.m. in University Hall with a salad of lettuce, tomatoes, asparagus and oranges tossed with salsa vinagreta, followed by a savory sopa de almendras (hot almond soup) from southern Spain.

The main course is de cerdo a la Aragonesa, pork chops braised with white wine and onion, a dish from the region of Aragon. Side dishes include zanahorias con vino de Malaga (carrots with sweet wine) and Cazuelitas de Setas (wild mushrooms).

Accompanying the meal is pan de pueblo and vino tinto (country bread and red wine). Dessert is sherry-soaked almond cake and mixed berries served with coffee.

The music of Spain, the flamenco, originated with gypsies who settled in Spain more than 500 years ago, Kling said. A dance to the fiery and emotional music will be performed by two University of Mary language students who were in Spain last summer.

The cost of dinner is $30 per person. Kling generally plans for about 120 to 150 people but can accommodate up to 200, she said. The deadline for reservations is March 7. To make reservations, call the University of Mary at 355-8146 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.