A method of preparing a blended food product includes the steps of: introducing a composition of food product(s) into a container (12), providing a closure (16) for the container, the closure carrying an impeller (44); inverting the container so that the closure with its blending element lies lowermost; and driving the blending element to blend the composition to form a blended food product. Prior to blending, the container is mounted in a holder (14) and clamped in place between the closure and the holder, to prevent leakage during blending. The holder may be in the form of a sleeve (60, Figure 7). A drive master (340, Figure 23) is also provided for use with two sets of blending lids (Figures 21 and 22).