2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cups cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 large eggs, at room temperature

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 1/4 cups almonds, walnuts or hazelnuts (toasted & coarsely chopped)

1/3 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper