A Christmas favorite. Cut each squash in half; remove seeds and fibers. Arrange the halves, cut side up in a large shallow baking pan. In a small bowl, blend together the syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and butter. Spoon about 2 tbsp of the mixture into the hollow of each squash. Top with a piece of bacon. Add boiling water to pan, about 1 inch deep. Bake in a preheated 350F oven until tender, about 1 hour.