SCOTT TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Between rolling out the crust, lining the pans, filling, and baking, a lot of work goes into preparing Thanksgiving pies at Miller's Orchard in Scott Township.
"We schedule everything out hour by hour, minute by minute if we have to. We just plan on being here for 14 to 16 hours for a couple of days," said owner Amber Peregrim.
Thanksgiving marks the biggest holiday for pie orders at Miller's.
Peregrim says they have more than 1,100 orders to fill, plus they make extra for the last-minute customers. That means pies are constantly going in and out of the oven.
"It's organized chaos. It gets pretty nuts, but it is fun. We have so many faithful customers that come back year after year to get pies from us. We love it. It's fun."
"The adrenaline to go as fast as you can to get everything ready and fill all of the orders," said Lena Peregrim.
Miller's Orchard is a seven-generation family-owned business. Robin is part of the sixth generation and says she loves seeing the tradition carry on
"They do work it like a well-oiled machine, much better than I ever did, so it's great to come in, do what I have to do, see it, move on and not have the responsibility. It's great."
Amber's daughter Lena is the eighth generation. She says while it's a lot of work cranking out the orders, it's their family's way of creating holiday memories.
"The family spirit, laughing and talking with the people I love to hang out with, and I also love to learn about baking."
Miller's also makes other Thanksgiving desserts like pumpkin roll and apple cider doughnuts. If you need a last-minute dessert, Miller's is open until 5 p.m. on Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving.