Velvet Almond Fudge Cake
["1 1/2 c. blanched slivered almonds", "12 oz. chocolate chips", "1 (2-layer) pkg. chocolate cake mix", "1 (4 serving size) pkg. chocolate pudding", "4 eggs", "1 c. sour cream", "1/2 c. water", "1/4 c. oil", "1/2 tsp. almond extract", "1/2 tsp. vanilla"]
["Chop almonds and toast at 350\u00b0 for 3 to 5 minutes.", "Sprinkle 1/2 cup on bottom of well-greased tube pan.", "Set aside almonds and chocolate chips.", "Measure remaining ingredients into mixing bowl. Blend.", "Beat at medium speed for 4 minutes.", "Stir in chocolate chips and almonds.", "Pour into pan and bake at 350\u00b0 for 70 minutes or until cake pulls away from sides of pan.", "Cool in pan 15 minutes.", "Remove and finish cooling on rack.", "Garnish with whipped topping."]
["blanched slivered almonds", "chocolate chips", "chocolate cake mix", "chocolate pudding", "eggs", "sour cream", "water", "oil", "almond extract", "vanilla"]