Preheat oven to 400 F. Toast almonds and chop fine.

Halve the squash lenghwise, and remove seeds and fiber. Place squash, cut side down, in a shallow baking dish large enough to hold the squash in a single layer. Pour in the water. Bake, covered for 30 minutes. Remove dish from oven, turn squash over and cool. Use a spoon to remove the flesh. Cut into 2-inch cubes. Place squash in a bowl, drizzle with brandy, sprinkle with sugar and set aside for 30 minutes to macerate.

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar and cinnamon. Mix in the butter, working with your fingers until the mixture holds together and is crumbly. Stir in the chopped almonds and the crushed amaretti cookies. Set aside.

Place squash and juice in a 12-inch round baking dish. Spread the almond mixture evenly over them. Bake for 1 hour, or until the squash is bubbling and the topping is golden brown. To serve, scoop hot crisp into individual dessert bowls and drizzle with chilled heavy cream.

From Kevin Baker, chef de cuisine, Vivande Ristorante.