Melt chocolate in pan in 250 degree F oven or in top of double boiler set over, but not touching, simmering water. Allow to cool
Place egg yolks and powdered sugar in mixer bowl and beat at medium speed until mixture becomes very light in color and light and creamy in texture, about 5 minutes
Add vanilla, cooled chocolate and coffee powder and mix thoroughly. Mix in almonds
Beat egg whites until stiff. Gradually add a little of egg whites to chocolate mixture to lighten it, mixing with mixer at low speed. When mixture is light, pour it over remaining egg whites and fold in
Grease 9-inch spring form pan and dust with flour. Pour batter into pan
Bake at 325 degrees F until torte starts to shrink slightly from sides of pan and springs back when touched at center, about 1 hour. A cake tester can also be used
Cool torte in pan about 2 hours. To remove, gently run thin knife along inside edges of pan. Gently release spring and remove sides
Serve torte on spring form bottom, or carefully run large knife blade underneath and gently lift off and onto cake platter
Place chocolate chips in 1-quart glass measuring cup and set in 250 degree F oven until melted, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir once or twice while melting
making frosting: Pour whipping cream into saucepan and heat until barely simmering. When chocolate is completely melted, add hot cream and immediately start beating on medium high speed until it is thick and smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Chill 20 minutes
Frost torte sides first, then pour remaining frosting on top and spread slightly, but do not overwork. Frosting will spread smoothly.
