Her story is a simple one. She married young, moved into her mother-in-law's home to care for her husband and his wayward brother, and has lived there ever since.

Her kitchen is the size of my laundry and she still uses a wind-down toaster to make her toast each morning.

She has a sink the size of a shoebox and her kitchen has no signs of modern appliances, such as a dishwasher, coffee machine or - heaven forbid - a Thermomix.

There is something so quaint and humble about her home that just makes you feel delightfully content as soon as you step in the door. It is like you have stepped into the 1960s, with not much changing since the day she moved in.

Being with Grandma and working in her delightful shoebox of a kitchen last week made me remember the sorts of treats we used to have when we were growing up - wholesome, homemade cooking made with minimal appliances and a whole lot of love. I remember soft, buttery cookies, delectable slices, scones ... all the good things in life.

So this week I set about recreating some homemade classics for my kids, having been inspired by my childhood memories.

Unfortunately I am no longer able to use the same old staples Grandma used to bake with, such as plain flour and full-cream milk, due to intolerances in my little family, but considering this challenge I still feel like this homemade slice hits the nail on the head in terms of basic, old-school cooking.

Sitting down to a lovely warm piece of this slice with a cup of tea, you can't help but be transported back in time - to a time when life was slower, simpler and it was the small things like a freshly baked slice that made people happy.

■ Stephanie Meades is a lifestyle, food and wellness coach. For more whole food recipes, visit Flame Tree Co-Op, Thirroul or the website realfoodbites.wordpress.com.