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1
Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.
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2
Preheat oven to 325u00b0. In a small bowl, mix flour and 3/4 cup sugar until blended.
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3
Add seeds from vanilla bean (or extract if using), cream of tartar and salt to egg whites. Beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until soft glossy peaks form. Gradually fold in flour mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time.
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4
Gently transfer batter to an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Cut through batter with a knife to remove air pockets. Bake on lowest oven rack 45-55 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Immediately invert pan; cool completely in pan, about 1-1/2 hours.
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5
For filling, in a large microwave-safe bowl, combine baking chips, 1/4 cup cream and amaretto; microwave on high for 60-90 seconds or until chocolate is melted, stirring every 30 seconds. Continue stirring until mixture is smooth and glossy; cool to lukewarm (90u00b0), about 25-30 minutes.
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6
Meanwhile, run a knife around sides and center tube of pan. Remove cake to a serving plate. Using a serrated knife, cut a 1-in. slice off top of cake. Hollow out remaining cake, leaving a 1-in.-thick shell (save removed cake for another use). In a small bowl, beat remaining 3/4 cup cream until it begins to thicken. Add sugar; beat until soft peaks form.
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7
Fold whipped cream into lukewarm chocolate; spoon into tunnel. Replace cake top. Refrigerate, covered, at least 4 hours or overnight.
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8
For glaze, place baking chips in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, combine cream and sugar; bring just to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Pour over baking chips; stir with a whisk until smooth. Stir in amaretto. Cool slightly, about 15 minutes.
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9
Unwrap cake; pour glaze over top, allowing some to drip down sides. Sprinkle with almonds.
