Baked Squash with Butter and Maple Syrup

Ingredients

• 6 pounds acorn or butternut squash
• halved lengthwise and seeded
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons ( 1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup maple syrup

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Place the squash, cut side down, on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the squash is easily pierced with a fork.
3. Scoop the flesh into a bowl and mash with a potato masher or a fork until fairly smooth.
4. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Keep warm.
6. Combine the butter and maple syrup in a small saucepan and cook, stirring, over low heat until the butter is melted and blended with the syrup, about 2 minutes.
7. Stir half of the syrup mixture into the squash.
8. Transfer the squash to a shallow serving dish.
9. Pour the rest of the syrup mixture over the top.