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["In a small bowl, combine cocoa and water; set aside.", "In a large mixing bowl cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.", "Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.", "Beat in vanilla.", "Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with cocoa mixture, beating well after each addition.", "Pour into three greased and floured 9"" round baking pans.", "Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.", "Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.", "For Ganache, place chocolate in a small bowl.", "In a small heavy saucepan over low heat, bring cream and sugar to a boil.", "Pour over chocolate; whisk gently until smooth.", "Refrigerate for 35-45 minutes or until ganache begins to thicken, stirring occasionally.", "For frosting, in a large mixing bowl beat butter until fluffy.", "Add confectioners sugar, cocoa, milk, and vanilla; beat until smooth.", "Place one cake layer on a serving plate; spread with 1 cup of frosting.", "Top with second layer and one cup ganache and sprinkle with 1/2 cup almonds.", "Top with third layer, frost top and sides of cake.", "Warm ganache until pourable; pour over cake, allowing some to drape down the sides.", "Sprinkle with remaining almonds.", "Refrigerate until serving."]
