1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. If you have fresh mint, reserve a bit of the mint for garnish, then combine all ingredients in a 2-inch-deep baking dish or casserole. Toss to mix, cover (use aluminum foil if necessary), and bake for 30 minutes.

3. Remove from the oven and uncover. If the mixture seems dry, add a little more water, re- cover, and return to oven. If it seems watery, return, uncovered, to oven. Continue to bake until pumpkin is tender, another 15 to 30 minutes. Taste for seasoning, garnish with the remaining mint, and serve.

Braised Pumpkin, Japanese-Style: In Step 2, use a mixture of one-quarter cup water; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey; and 2 tablespoons sake or white wine instead of the ingredients above.