On a recent episode of Coast to Coast TV, Lisa Spalla welcomed the always vibrant Chef Marisel Salazar, who brought a festive flair just in time for the Kentucky Derby. Known for her inventive recipes and love of design, Marisel shared how to transform a Derby Day gathering into a celebration full of flavor, fun, and fabulous details.

Fashion Meets Function: DIY Derby Hats with Cricut
Lisa kicked off the conversation by complimenting Marisel’s festive setup—and it was no wonder. At the center of her creative station was the Cricut Maker 4, a crafting tool that allows hosts to create personalized Derby Day hats, party décor, and favors with ease.
“It’s twice as fast as previous models and cuts over 300 materials,” Marisel explained, noting how it elevates party planning into an art form.
She also highlighted Cricut’s Design Space Library, which offers over a million images and licensed designs. The app pairs seamlessly with all Cricut machines and helps even beginners become pro-level party planners.
The Star Ingredient: Natural Delights Medjool Dates
When it came to menu inspiration, Marisel didn’t miss a beat. Her go-to secret ingredient? Natural Delights Medjool Dates.
“They’re my favorite all-natural sugar alternative,” she told Lisa. “They add depth, sweetness, and sophistication to everything from appetizers to drinks.”
She showcased several creative uses—including a Vidalia onion, espresso, and coriander date compote, and zesty Tajín-coated date strips that strike the perfect sweet-spicy balance.
Grazing Boards and Crowd-Pleasers
The real showstopper of the interview? A Derby Day grazing board that featured a flavorful mix of sweet date strips, Spanish cured hams, and tropical fruits. It was equal parts elegant and easy to recreate.
“This board is in the winner’s circle,” Marisel joked. “It might be stealing my spotlight!”
A Derby Drink to Remember
To complete the spread, Marisel introduced a unique cocktail twist: a Medjool Date and Avocado Margarita, blending creamy texture with rich natural sweetness—a bold departure from the usual mint julep.
A Toast to Creative Hosting
Lisa wrapped the interview by thanking Marisel for her stylish, creative, and health-conscious approach to Derby entertaining. With her mix of elevated recipes and DIY charm, Marisel proves that Derby Day can be both classy and approachable.
📍 For full recipes and product info, visit TipsOnTV.com and watch the full interview: