1 1/4 cups flaked or shredded coconut
1 1/4 cups sliced almonds
3 cups sugar
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons best-quality cocoa (recommended: Dutch-process)
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
2 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups whole, 2 percent fat, or 1 percent fat milk
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups very hot water
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/3 cup water
1 1/2 cups heavy cream