Directions

1. Heat the oven to 400 F
2. To prepare the squash make a series of small cuts with a paring knife in several places outside of the squash (this is to keep the squash from exploding when it is softening in the microwave). Place one squash in a microwave for one minute. This should soften the squash enough to make cutting easier. Repeat with remaining squash.
3. Place the acorn squash on its side on a cutting board and using a sharp chef’s knife trim off about 1/2 inch from the stem end to provide a flat stabilizing area. Set the squash on the flat side and using a sharp, sturdy chef knife, carefully cut the acorn squash in half, from bottom to stem. This is a safer way to cut the squash because if the squash is on its side, it can roll on the board. If the squash is too hard to cut, return to microwave for another 30 seconds.
4. Use an ice cream scoop or strong metal spoon to scrape out seeds and stringy bits inside, until the inside is smooth. Repeat for all other pieces.
5. Place the squash halves cut side up in a roasting pan. Pour 1/4 inch of water over the bottom of the pan (this prevents the squash from burning and keeps it moist).
6. Make the butter sauces.

   Butter Sauce #1:

   In a small pan over medium heat, melt the butter, add the brown sugar, and syrup. Stir until sugar is dissolved.

   Butter Sauce #2:

   In a small pan over medium heat, melt the butter, add the whole fresh sage leaves and allow to steep off the heat for 5 minutes.

   Butter Sauce #3:

   In a small pan over medium heat, melt the butter, continue to heat the butter until it just begins to brown and smells nutty. Remove from heat immediately.

7. Pour 1/4 of butter sauce of your choice into each of the insides of the squash. Sprinkle with a little kosher salt if you are using unsalted butter.

8. Bake at 400 F for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the tops of the squash halves are browned and the squash flesh is very soft and cooked through. It is hard to overcook squash as it just seems to get better with more caramelization, so be sure not to take it out of the oven before it is done.

9. Remove from the oven and let it cool about 5 minutes. If there is any butter pooled in the center spoon it over the exposed areas.