Mashed Pumpkin with Bay Leaves

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Place squash cut-side up on a baking sheet and brush with 1 tablespoon butter.

Bake in the preheated oven until squash flesh is soft and can easily be pierced with a fork, about 1 hour.

Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup butter and bay leaves in a saucepan over medium heat until melted. Remove from heat and set aside for at least 10 minutes to allow bay leaf flavor to infuse butter.

Scrape the squash flesh from the skin into a bowl using a spoon. Remove bay leaves from butter; discard leaves. Pour butter over squash and mash everything with a fork. Season with salt. Stir in maple syrup.