| 1 | Trim thick asparagus ends; cut squash in half crosswise. |
| 2 | Scoop out and discard squash seeds; slice squash into ?inch rings. |
| 3 | In kettle, carefully cook squash rings, then asparagus in boiling, salted water until tender. |
| 4 | Don"t overcook. |
| 5 | Drain each vegetable as soon as it"s tender. |
| 6 | Heat butter in medium skillet. |
| 7 | Add sugar and walnuts. |
| 8 | Stir over medium heat until sugar is light brown. |
| 9 | Deglaze pan with lemon juice, vingar and cider. |
| 10 | Cook, stirring constantly, to reduce by half. |
| 11 | To serve, layer 3 acorn squash rings on each of 4 plates; put 4 asparagus spears thru acorn squash. |
| 12 | Spoon sauce over. |
| 13 | Note: to make clarified butter, slowly melt stick of butter over very low heat. |
| 14 | Let solids settle to bottom; use oil-clarified butter- on top |