Soda Pop Chops with Smashed Potatoes

This is from Simple & Delicious April/May 2011. There are so many good recipes in this issue, and I know my new one is going to come any day, and I have barely made any of these yet. Oh well. I just thought this sounded good. Nothing too profound to say about it, I guess =o)

Soda Pop Chops with Smashed Potatoes
1 1/2 lbs small red potatoes, halved
1 cup root beer
1 cup ketchup
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder, divided
2 tbsp flour
3/4 tsp pepper, divided
1/2 tsp salt, divided
4 bone-in pork chops (I used boneless and just needed less cooking time)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter

Place potatoes in 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 1/4 tsp garlic powder; set aside. In a large ziploc bag, combine the flour, 1/2 tsp pepper and 1/4 tsp 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 and remaining garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Serve with pork chops and sauce.

Okay so I guess this was pretty good, but not outstanding. My favorite part of the meal was putting the sauce on the mashed potatoes. That was so so good. But really the sauce was just a glorified barbecue sauce, and texture was a bit off. Also the pork was a bit dry, but I used boneless so maybe I cooked it for too long, I don't know...so not a keeper, but not a tanker, either...