2 cups slivered almonds — slightly toasted
12 ounces chocolate chips
1 package devil’s food cake mix
1 package instant chocolate pudding — (3 1/2 oz)
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Sprinkle 1/2 cup almonds on bottom of greased 10-inch tube pan. Set aside rest of almonds and chocolate chips. Place remaining ingredients in mixer bowl. Beat 4 minutes. Fold in chips and almonds, then pour into pan. Bake in 350 F oven 60 to 70 minutes. Cool 15 minutes and remove from pan. Serve with topping of whipped cream if desired. Note from me: A nice touch would be to puncture finished cake with long-tined fork. Dribble over cake about 1/4 cup Kahlua. Then serve with sweetened whipped cream flavored with almond or vanilla extract.