Quick, easy snacks

Snacking is one of America's great pastimes. Most of us snack sometime during the day, whether it's a morning muffin or an afternoon ice-cream cone. One of the leading food companies offers these suggestions for quick, tasty snacks.

* Keep a supply of cut-up crisp vegetables, such as carrots, and fresh fruit, like nectarines, and pears, on hand in the refrigerator.

* Quick breads are easy to make and are very satisfying. Make quick breads and muffins using bananas, raisin, zucchini or carrots, or other fresh fruit in season.

* A cup of instant soup can be especially satisfying on a rainy day.

* Milk shakes are thirst-quenching. Adding fresh fruit to a shake can make an ordinary milk shake into something special.