Chocolate Kisses (Baci di Cioccolato) - Once Upon a Chef

Ingredients

• ½ cup slivered almonds
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, (plus more for rolling)
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour, (spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off)
• 1/3 cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• Scant ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon dark rum ((optional))
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, (softened)
• 2 teaspoons dark rum ((optional))