Roasted Acorn Squash Salad

3 pounds acorn squash (1 large or 2 small ones)

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt for dressing

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/8 teaspoon salt , or more to taste

1/4 cup slivered almond s, toasted in the oven or on a dry skillet

1 tablespoon or so Reduced Balsamic Vinegar , thickened for drizzling

2 tablespoons or more crumbled cheese , such as aged goat cheese , drained fresh ricotta, cottage cheese, or ricotta salata Reduced balsamic vinegar for drizzling sauce and glaze:

1 pint (or a 500-milliliter bottle) good quality balsamic vinegar (commercial grade)

1 tablespoon honey

1 bay leaf One of the following :

4 whole clove s

A tender branch fresh rosemary with lots of needles

Several small sprigs fresh thyme with lots of leaves