Acorn Squash Bisque

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Wash squash; halve and remove seeds. Place squash halves, cut sides down, in a 3-quart rectangular baking dish. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until tender. Let squash cool about 10 minutes or until cool enough to handle. Using a spoon, remove squash pulp from shells. Discard shells.

In a large saucepan, heat hot oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook until tender, stirring frequently. Add squash pulp, broth, and the water. Cook over medium-high heat until mixture just reaches boiling, stirring frequently. Stir in brown sugar, salt, the 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and the pepper. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Place half of the squash mixture in a blender or food processor. Cover and blend or process until smooth. Pour pureed squash into a medium bowl. Repeat with remaining squash mixture. Return all squash mixture to saucepan. Stir in half-and-half; heat through. If desired, garnish individual servings with pumpkin seeds and sprinkle with additional cinnamon.