A blending system is shown and described herein. The blending system may include a base including a motor, a blade selectively and operably engaged with the base, where the motor rotates the blade, a container having an open end and a lid configured to cover the open end. The blending system may also include an optical interlock detector that may include a camera positioned on the base and indicia positioned at a predetermined location on a lid, wherein the camera detects the indicia and position of the lid to permit operation of the blender.