Double chocolate torte

This elegant dessert can complement a more "grown up" occasion. Makes one 4-layer cake.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/4 teaspoons soda
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cups butter, softened
4 1-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 1/4 cups water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 eggs
Chocolate filling (recipe follows)
Whipped cream (recipe follows)
Grated sweet chocolate

Chocolate filling

1 1/2 4-ounce bars sweet chocolate
3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup chopped, toasted almonds (optional)

1. Melt chocolate in top of a double boiler. Let cool.
2. Add butter, beating at low speed with an electric mixer until smooth.
3. Stir in almonds.

Whipped cream

2 cups whipping cream
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl.
2. Beat until stiff peaks form.

Directions

1. Combine first 9 ingredients in a large mixing bowl, mixing well; then beat 2 minutes at medium speed with an electric mixer.
2. Add eggs, and beat an additional 2 minutes.
3. Spoon one-fourth of the batter into each of 4 greased and floured 9-inch cake pans.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 15 to 18 minutes or until cake tests done.
5. Let cool in pans 10 minutes; remove cake and let cool completely.
6. Place 1 layer on cake platter; spread with half the chocolate filling.
7. Place another cake layer on top; spread with half the whipped cream.
8. Repeat layers; garnish with grated chocolate.
9. Refrigerate until served.