Easy Baked Acorn Squash

2 acorn squashes
4 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (can replace with 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper per squash half for a savory flavor)

Wash hands with soap and water.
Preheat oven to 400 °F.
Cut acorn squash in half and scoop out seeds.
Fill a baking pan with about 1/2 inch of water.
Place the squash in the pan, flesh side up. If they are lopsided, slice the underside horizontally so the bottom sits flat on the pan.
Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (or ground pepper if you prefer a savory flavor) to each half and spread evenly across the flesh.
Bake for about 1 hour, or until flesh is tender.
Serve as a side with meat or another main dish.

Recipe adapted from American Indian Health and Wellness Project