The Odessa Record -

Spring is a good time of the year to check use-by dates on canned goods and other nonperishable food items. Though most canned foods are edible beyond the stamped date, the do begin to lose flavor and change texture. Canned black beans are often pushed to the back of the pantry because they were bought for a specific recipe that is not in season now.

The beginning of outdoor events is a glimmer on the horizon, and soon, side dishes for picnics and barbeques will be in demand. Cowboy Caviar is a simple fresh dip easy to throw together as a side dish for any event and will use several canned...