Ingredients

1 Long Island, Cinderella, butternut or other flavorful winter squash, about 3 pounds

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of cinnamon

2 gratings of fresh nutmeg or 1/8 teaspoon dried

1 teaspoon cayenne or to taste

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

Preparation

  1. Heat oven to 450 degrees. Cut squash in half, scoop out seeds and membranes and discard. Place squash on a rimmed pan, cut side down. Add just enough water to cover bottom of pan. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, or until squash is very soft. Scoop out squash from skin and mash.

  2. Melt butter in a pan large enough to hold squash. Stir in maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne, paprika and salt and pepper. Add squash, mash again and toss to coat. Adjust seasonings and serve warm.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings.