Chocolate Almond Torte: One of the Best Versions I Know

Ingredients

• 2 1-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate
• ⅔ cup water
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter
• ¾ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons Dutch cocoa powder
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon table or sea salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
• ½ cup whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract