The smaller ones are better. Canned or dried abalones are acceptable substitutes for fresh in some dishes. OR Flatten skinned and boned chicken or turkey breasts with a mallet, marinate in clam juice and crushed garlic, then saut . Unopened canned abalone can be stored for up to a year in a dry, cool place. Once opened, it will keep for up to two days if you wrap it well and refrigerate it.
Frozen scallops are a good substitute for fresh.
Once opened, it will keep for up to two days if you wrap it well and refrigerate it. This is popular in Florida and the Caribbean. In other regions, your best bet is to look in Asian or Italian markets. Allow one to two pounds per person. You can sometimes find dried cuttlefish in Asian markets.