What does 'Beurre noisette' refer to in cooking?

'Beurre noisette' refers to browned butter, which is created by melting butter and cooking it until it reaches a golden brown color. This process gives the butter a nutty aroma and flavor, enhancing the overall taste of a dish. In preparing beurre noisette, the milk solids in the butter caramelize and contribute to its distinctive color and taste, making it a favorite component in various sauces, pastries, and other culinary applications.

While uncooked butter, whipped butter, and clarified butter have their distinct uses, they do not undergo the browning process that defines beurre noisette. Uncooked butter is in its original state without any manipulation, whipped butter is aerated to create a lighter texture, and clarified butter involves removing the milk solids and water, leaving behind pure butterfat. None of these result in the nutty flavor profile typical of beurre noisette.