Soda Pop Chops with Smashed Potatoes

Wow, this recipe was so super good! Josh and I made it together and it turned out wonderfully... He forgot to reduce the sauce down, but we thought that it was great the way it was - in fact he put it in a jar and saved it so that we could use it at another time. The recipe says that you could also use the sauce with chicken, which Josh didn't realize but was talking about while we were eating! He's such a chef! :)



Soda Pop Chops with Smashed Potatoes
(recipe found in Taste of Home - Simple and Delicious)

1 1/2 pounds small red potatoes, halved
1 cup root beer
1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
4 bone in pork loin chops
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile in a small bowl, combine the root beer, ketchup, brown sugar, chili powder, worcestershire sauce and garlic powder; set aside. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add pork chops, one at a time and shake to coat.

In a large skillet, brown chops in oil. Add root beer mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until meat is tender; turning once. Remove pork and keep warm.

Bring sauce to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half. Meanwhile, drain potatoes; mash with butter, garlic powder and remaining salt and pepper. Serve with pork chops and sauce.