White Chocolate Truffle and Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake

INGREDIENTS

• 4 tablespoons amaretto or other almond liqueur
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 1 pound good-quality white chocolate (such as Lindt or Baker's), finely chopped
• 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon solid vegetable shortening
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups chilled whipping cream
• 6 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Nonstick vegetable oil spray
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract