Gwen Wolken
Recipe Developer, Food Photographer & Founder of A Sweet Thyme.
- Specializes in Mediterranean-inspired, gluten-free cooking
- 10 years of flavor development experience in the chocolate industry
- Creator of hundreds of trusted recipes at A Sweet Thyme
- Background in accounting; precision-driven approach to recipe testing
- Based in Northbrook, Illinois
- Photographer, writer, and voice behind The Sunday Thymes
⭐ Highlights & Expertise
- Mediterranean-inspired cooking with a focus on wholesome, gluten-free recipes
- Decades of home cooking experience rooted in Jewish food traditions
- Former chocolate industry professional with 10 years of flavor-testing expertise and a nationally recognized speaker.
- Skilled food photographer and content creator
- Background in accounting, bringing structure and precision to recipe development
- Passion for creating easy, refined recipes for cooks 40+ who crave fresh, vibrant meals
- Developer of hundreds of recipes on A Sweet Thyme, from main course meals to desserts, to gluten-free holiday favorites
My Story
My love of cooking has always been tied to tradition, family, and gathering around good food. Growing up in Michigan, I learned early on how simple ingredients transform when you treat them with care.
I started my food career in 2009 when I joined Dove Chocolate Discoveries, a division of Dove Chocolate. I quickly rose through the ranks and became one of the top 5 people in our field and became a nationally recognized speaker in our industry. I spent almost a decade educating on the joys of eating chocolate, tasting chocolate, and creating chocolate recipes.
I learned how to recognize quality, balance flavors, and refine everything until it's truly delicious. I am a die-hard chocoholic. When I need a break from healthy I am always grabbing some seriously 70%+ dark chocolate. I will share my chocolate desserts with you as well.
Based in Northbrook, Illinois, I spend my days creating Mediterranean and gluten-free recipes that inspire home cooks to feel confident and excited in the kitchen. Whether it's a comforting Jewish holiday dish or a bright tahini-drizzled weeknight dinner, I believe food should feel approachable, beautiful, and nourishing.
On any given day, you'll find me testing recipes, styling food photos, corralling two dogs, and texting my grown kids to remind them that vegetables still matter.
My Expertise
- Mediterranean Cooking: Fresh herbs, citrus, olive oil, and seasonal produce which is the heart of my kitchen.
- Gluten-Free Recipe Development: Many of my recipes are naturally gluten-free or easily adapted for those who need it.
- Chocolate Knowledge: Ten years in the chocolate world gave me a deep understanding of tasting, flavor pairing, and dessert creation.
- Recipe Testing: Every recipe is tested multiple times so readers can trust that it works the first time.
- Food Photography: I personally photograph every dish on A Sweet Thyme, ensuring each recipe looks exactly like what you'll make at home.
What You'll Find on A Sweet Thyme
- Fresh Mediterranean recipes with modern twists like my favorite Mediterranean Eggplant.
- Gluten-free dishes that feel abundant, not restrictive like the Classic Shrimp Oreganata.
- Jewish holiday classics made easy like the Classic Cottage Cheese Noodle Kugel.
- Seasonal weeknight meals
- Recipes tested with the home cook in mind
- Gorgeous photography that helps you cook with confidence
more about me....
Fun Facts
- I'm originally from Michigan but now happily rooted on the North Shore of Chicago.
- I have two dogs, a husband, and three grown kids (two of which are married) who are my fiercest taste-testers.
- I will always choose chocolate over anything else on the dessert table.
- If a recipe uses fresh herbs, I'm already in love - thyme especially.
- Pilates, cooking classes, reading, needlepoint, and recipe testing keep me energized.
Let's Connect
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