4 md Acorn squash
8 tb Unsalted butter; softened
1 ts Cinnamon
1/2 ts Grated nutmeg
1/4 ts Ground cloves
1/2 c  Real maple syrup

FOR A VEGETABLE
4 sl Bacon; cut in quarters

–FOR TIMBALES–
2 Eggs

Cant make up your mind how fancy to get? Here are 2 presentations of this
tasty squash–one homey and one for “dress-up.”

PREHEAT OVEN TO 350F. Bring 1 quart water to a simmer. Cut squash in half
horizontally and clean insides. Place cut-side down in a low-sided baking
dish, fill with simmering water to about 1 inch. Bake 20 minutes. AS A
TRADITIONAL VEGETABLE: Combine butter, spices and maple syrup. Turn squash
over and fill with the butter mixture. Top with bacon slices, crossed.
Return to oven and cook until the tip of a sharp knife easily pierces the
flesh, about 30-40 minutes. Serve in shell. AS TIMBALES: Turn the squash
over after the first 20 minutes in the oven and add 1 tablespoon of butter
to each half. Bake until they can easily be pierced with a sharp knife,
about 30-40 minutes. Carefully scoop out the flesh into a mixing bowl,
reserving the shells. Beat in remaining ingredients and eggs. Place mixture
into shells or timbales, and return to oven for 20-25 minutes or until set.