4 med. size acorn squash
1/2 c. dark brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. grated nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
8 tbsp. (1/4 lb. stick) melted butter
1/2 c. maple syrup
8 (1/2 inch) pieces of bacon
About 2 c. boiling water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut squash in half. Scrape out seeds and fibers. In a bowl, combine first 6 ingredients and stir together thoroughly. Arrange squash in shallow dish large enough to hold all of them. Spoon spiced butter mixture into each hollow of squash. Pour a teaspoon or so of maple syrup over that and top with piece of bacon. Add boiling water to baking dish about 1 inch deep. Bake about 1 hour at 350 degrees or until squash is done. Serve at once. Serves 8.